Latest news with #ArielInton
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
LTFRB, LTO crack whip vs. PUVs overloading passengers
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned Tuesday that operators who overload their public utility vehicles (PUVs) with passengers may lose their franchises. According to Joseph Morong's report in "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will join the LTFRB in the crackdown of PUVs that are jampacked, if not overflowing, with passengers. Traditional and modern jeepneys have a limit of 12 to 32 passengers, depending on their capacities. Modern jeepneys, however, are only allowed to have up to five standing passengers, the LTFRB said. Meanwhile, Asian utility vehicles (AUVs), regular vans, and extended vans should only have six to 12 passengers. Up to 50 passengers are allowed on public buses, the report said. "Kapag nag-overload po tayo, nako-compromise 'yung safety and it's no longer convenient for the passengers," said LTFRB spokesperson Ariel Inton. (If PUVs are overloaded, the safety and convenience are compromised and it's no longer convenient for the passengers.) Aside from the possibility of losing their franchises, PUV operators flagged for violating the policy will be fined P5,000. Passengers who are caught hanging on or standing in full PUVs will not be fined, the report said. Several commuters interviewed by GMA Integrated News are divided with their views on the new policy. Some said that overloading PUVs is inevitable as many commuters are already in rush. On the other hand, others said jampacked vehicles on travel can be unsafe. "Minsan kasi 'pag may ubo, mahirap talagang magsiksikan," said commuter Marissa David. (It's a very difficult situation when the PUVs are packed, especially when someone coughs.) Despite the sardine can-like conditions, some drivers told GMA Integrated News that they need to allow passengers to get onboard their PUVs especially during rush hour, even if these are already beyond full capacity. "Wala po kaming magagawa sir, eh, pasahero, lalo rush hour hindi namin kayang awatin," said jeepney driver Emilio Arino, adding that having more passengers means extra income. (We cannot do anything to stop the passengers especially when it's rush hour.) However, the LTFRB said it is now studying if there is a lack of public transportation causing PUVs to be overloaded or if it just happens during rush hours. "Maaaring isang point of view na kaya ganiyan ay dahil sa kakulangan ng public transport. Pero sa tingin namin, isa ring contributory factor 'yung traffic, kasi 'yung turnaround, lalo na sa kapag kunwari kapag rush hour," said Inton. (One point of view is that the problem may be due to the lack of public transport. However, we think that traffic is also a contributing factor, because of the turnaround, especially when it happens during rush hour.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
Gov't prepares fuel subsidy rollout as oil prices remain volatile
The government is preparing to roll out a new round of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators—with or without franchise consolidation—should global oil prices breach the $80 per barrel threshold, a key official said during the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing. In a move seen as both proactive and inclusive, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced it is finalizing guidelines to ensure swift and equitable distribution of subsidies. A ?2.5 billion allocation has been earmarked for the subsidies under the 2025 national budget. 'We are getting ready,' said LTFRB spokesperson Ariel Inton, emphasizing that even though oil prices recently dipped to $69 per barrel, volatility—especially in the Middle East—could lead to a rapid spike. 'Mas maigi nang handa (It's better to be prepared, because anything can happen.' No more consolidation requirement In a major departure from previous policy, Inton confirmed that PUV drivers and operators no longer need to be consolidated to receive fuel subsidies. This clarification comes amid mounting concerns from transport groups that non-consolidated operators could be excluded. 'There is a clear statement from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that consolidation is not a requirement," he said. 'Kasama po sila. Kung paano, hintayin natin sa ilalabas na guidelines," he added. (They will be included. As for how, let's wait for the upcoming guidelines.) New technology for transparent payouts With thousands of drivers expected to be eligible, the government is also eyeing digital platforms and e-wallet systems for quick and transparent disbursement of aid. 'Appropriate technology is key,' Inton noted, citing past distribution methods like e-cards and fuel coupons as possible templates. 'Pag may nauna at may naiwang wala pa, it creates strong sentiment. Kaya kailangan if I may use the word, forthwith, kaagad-agad." (If some receive aid first and others are left behind, it can cause frustration. That's why we need to act immediately, or as soon as possible.) The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be tapped to help facilitate smooth and real-time payouts, minimizing delays and confusion. According to the LTFRB, the $80 per barrel international oil price remains the benchmark for subsidy release. Although recent prices have hovered around $75 to $76 due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Energy has already requested the DOTr to initiate preparatory actions. 'In effect I am saying, ang ahensya is finalizing everything para ready po tayo.' (In effect, I'm saying the agency is finalizing everything so we are prepared.) If the threshold is breached, subsidies can be disbursed immediately—targeting jeepney, bus, and UV Express operators and drivers. The government is using the planned subsidy as a buffer to delay fare hikes, which would otherwise directly affect commuters.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
