'Win-win' proposition for PBO problems eyed

By Jeehan V. Fernandez and Leny G. Gabo

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas would soon take up with the members of the city council matters raised by drivers associations from the municipalities concerning the implementation of the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO).

This he vowed in a dialogue with Governor Niel Tupas and representatives of drivers associations.

The dialogue took place while some of the provincial public utility vehicles (PUVs) staged two-day transport strike.

The transport alliance Pumuluyo Kontra PBO wanted the PBO repealed but Treñas was categorical in saying that he would not give in to what they want.

The mayor however said that he is open to suggestions as long as it would benefit the general public.

Treñas said that he will sit down with members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod to discuss the proposed amendments on the PBO.

“I can't commit, it will depend on the councilors,” he stressed.

“As a mayor, it is not within my power to suspend the ordinance,” Treñas pointed out. But he said that he is willing to endorse to the city council the consolidated complaints for some possible revisions to the ordinance.

Tupas expressed approval to the PBO but he said the complaints raised by the drivers groups are valid and need to be addressed.

Among the complaints raised by drivers concerning PBO are “excessive” terminal parking fees and the lack of car passes.

It can be recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has created a committee of the whole to study the impact of the PBO on commuters, drivers and traders from the municipalities.

This after the provincial board received various complaints from different sectors following the full implementation of the PBO.

Vice Governor Roberto Armada earlier said that they would sit down with members of the city council to bring to their attention the complaints raised by protesting groups.