Traffic czar cites drivers for ‘unfair labor practice’

Six jeepney drivers of businessman Rommel S. Ynion’s “Libreng Sakay” jeepneys were apprehended by the Iloilo City Traffic Management and Transportation Regulation Office (TMTRO) for “unfair labor practice”.

TMTRO head Joe Tengco identified the drivers as Michael Isiderio plying Baluarte, Molo District; Ernesto Diaz, Raymundo Dayaday, Rolando Tresballes, all plying Jaro CPU; Igmedio Jimanga and Renato Vispo, all plying Timawa, Molo District.

Tengco said these jeepney drivers were plying from their routes of origin to the downtown area when apprehended by traffic aides. The aides issued temporary operating permits (TOPs) to them after confiscating their driver’s licenses.

“They were easily identified because their jeepneys are carrying Libre Sakay streamers,” he said.

Tengco said the reason for the arrest – unfair labor practice – is provided in the franchise law of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

However, he could not determine the penalty for this violation since it was not mentioned in the existing city ordinance – R.O. 393 Series of 2008 Revised Rate of Penalties for City Traffic Violations.

“There’s no specific penalty but this could serve as warning for them,” he said.

The TMTRO head added that City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog plans to talk to these drivers today.

NO CASE YET

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office 6 (LTO-6) has not encountered any case related to this violation, said LTO-6 operation officer Marlon Velez.

Velez said they are still reviewing Republic Act 4136 if this practice is indeed an illegal offense or violation of a traffic law.

“We have not yet encountered a case like this before. If there is an overcharging or undercharging, then, it is a clear violation stipulated under the law,” he ended.*