Transport groups told to submit position papers
BACOLOD CITY -- In a prelude to a public meeting to be conducted by the House Committee on Transportation which he chairs, Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella had a dialogue with the officials Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and members of the transport sector on the controversial DOTC Department Order No. 2008-39 at the DOTC office in Ortigas last March 25.
Parties were given the opportunity to present their sides and make recommendations in order to come up with a win-win solution to resolve the contending issues of the questioned department order.
D.O. No. 2008-39 took effect on November 2008 but was implemented only in March this year, which not only provides stiffer penalties and charges but also defines additional violations which according to the representatives of the transport groups are unjust and oppressive.
Members of the transport groups mentioned some pertinent items in the department order. DOTC officials concurred with the collective view of the transport sector as raised by FEJODAP President Mrs. Zenaida Maranan that wearing of slippers while driving should not be classified and punished as reckless driving.
The transport groups appealed for the deferment of the implementation of some items in the said department order until their concerns are properly addressed. DOTC officials represented by Gen. Arthuro Lomibao of Land Transportation Office (LTO), ASec. Alberto Suansing of LTFRB and Asec. Dante Lantin welcomed their proposal but with reservations upon consultation with DOTC Sec. Gen. Leandro Mendoza.
Before concluding the meeting, Congressman Puentevella requested the transport groups to submit their positions and recommendations in order that the same be considered in the anticipated congressional hearing by the opening of session.