Despite protests from utility vehicle express drivers on the suspension of their operations in Davao City, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board remained firm in its decision to ban north-bound UV Express vans temporarily.
In an interview on Monday, LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra said that he understands that UV Express drivers’ source of income would be affected but lives of the riding public.
“I know that they have been complaining na ang hanapbuhay daw nila naapektuhan. Ang sagot naming dyan, ‘buti sa inyo hanapbuhay. Ang amin, buhay na mismo ang naapektuhan.’”
This was following the road mishap between an overspeeding UV Express van and a truck on June 15 along KM 21., near crossing Mahayag-Buhisan that took the life of 11 passengers and injured other 9.
Delgra said that the LTFRB had to hold the problem by the neck and address the same considering that a lot of lives were lost in the accident.
He also clarified that in their decision in temporarily banning the UV Express operations in Davao, they have ensured that there is enough buses to cater to passengers going north.
“The reason why we are doing this is not because we are against UV operators but because we are protecting the interest and safety of the riding public. Having said that, we have ensured that there is enough public transportation system to cover the short fall of public transportation in the absence of UV Express. There are more than enough buses for passengers going north.”
Delgra said that they will meet with 200-250 operators and other planning and traffic management officials from Panabo, Tagum, Nabunturan and Mati that are affected with the ban and address their concerns on June 27.
He also said that the LTFRB will suggest to do vehicle tagging in order to properly monitor public vehicles that are registered or not.
