THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) Regional Office belied complaints and allegations of harassment of supporters of presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and VP bet Kiko Pangilinan during their sorties and rallies in the province on Friday, April 8.

Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, LTO regional director, said there was no malice in flagging down of jeeps and buses en route to the CSI helipad.

Early reports said that eight jeepneys and several buses were flagged down by LTO flying squad went viral on social media.

On Thursday, some rented buses backed out after the bus drivers were threatened with revocation of their franchises and penalties.

Guadiz said only “out of line” jeeps and buses were flagged down and were advised not to violate terms of their franchises and not to continue their trips, that left their passengers on the highways.

“Out of line sila, kaya dapat wala sila sa lugar”, said Guadiz.

‘Out of line’ means  PUJs and PUBs are traveling and charging fares outside of the areas covered by their franchises.

One such PUJ en route to Dagupan City was flagged down because it’s franchise route was Bayambang-Urbiztondo. It was considered a “colorum” operation punishable with P 50,000 fine. (P200,000 for AUVs, and PHP 1 million for buses).

Guadiz said they would’ve allowed such jeepneys to continue on their way if they were able to present a special permit from the LTFRB.

“Puwede naman po mag-secure ng special permit sa LTFRB para kahit lumabas sa linya, pwede po. Kaso wala silang maipakita”, said Guadiz.

Some Kakampinks rented jeepneys on the same day of Robredo’s sortie, thus the jeepneys were unable to secure special permits.

However, Guadiz later decided to suspend all apprehensions in the afternoon of April 8 only.  (Ahikam Pasion)

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