Some UV Express drivers, operators under fire over 'Bawal Mataba' signage

Several UV Express drivers and operators are under fire for supposedly discriminating against overweight passengers.

In a report by GMA News' reporter Victoria Tulad on 24 Oras, several UV Express vans were seen carrying stickers or signages saying "For Slim Passengers," "Slim Only," "2 Small," and "Bawal Dito Mataba," among others.

"Itong ginagawang 'to ay isang diskriminasyon. 'Yan ay hindi puwede sa public utility vehicle, ang mga PUV 'yan ay for hire for passengers, for the public," said Ariel Inton Jr., board member of LTFRB.

These signages violate the Joint Administrative Order 20014-001 of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), the report said.

Drivers and operators of these vehicles can be fined P5,000 to P15,000 or their franchises can be suspended or cancelled.

An overweight passenger expressed dismay over the discriminatory stickers found in UV Express and the imposition of higher fares for them.

"Dapat pantay-pantay, malusog man o mapayat. Isahan lang kasi pare-pareho namang nagco-commute e," a passenger said.

Elvira Medina, president of National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection, advised commuters to file complaints.

"Hindi dapat ngitian 'yan or ipagkibit-balikat. Kailangan ipursigi natin. Mayroon tayong LTFRB, LTO, at pulis," Medina said.

For their part, a UV Express driver said the stickers were put by operators to ease passengers' and drivers' burden as well.

"Maliit po yung upuan. (Kaya) kapag dalawang mataba, ay 'di na magkakasya, sisikip," a driver said.

Meanwhile, there are still drivers who say they don't discriminate.

"Sabihin na lang namin ma'am pakiilag lang po ng konti ng hita niyo kasi minsan mahirap talagang magkambiyo," said Wilfredo Papilosa, a UV Express driver. —John Ted Cordero/JST, GMA News