LTFRB to PUV operators, drivers: Respect, don't harass passengers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to strictly follow laws against the harassment and discrimination of passengers.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II stressed that passengers’ welfare must always be prioritized as this is a condition that PUV operators accepted when they applied for franchises.

“The logic is simple here: Passengers are the lifeblood of those who engage in public transportation business. It is therefore incumbent upon them to respect them at all times,” Mendoza said.

“In cases that they would not do it, in cases of abuse and violation of the conditions set under the authority to operate, it is us in the LTFRB who will act for and on behalf of the commuters,” he added.

Mendoza cited Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Law” as one such law that protect against harassment.

He noted that it is only when the passenger-victim is determined to pursue a case that erring transport operators and drivers get the message that they must behave at all times.

Mendoza said this starts by filing complaints or seeking assistance from the LTFRB.

He cited the case of a ride-hailing service driver who is facing the revocation of his driver’s license and other penalties for allegedly sexually harassing a female passenger.

“Tayo naman sa LTFRB ay pinadali na natin ang lahat ng proseso sa pagrereklamo. We have hotlines and we even have social media monitoring teams to monitor social platforms for any public transportation-related concerns,” he said.

(We have simplified our processes in filing complaints before the LTFRB. We have hotlines and we even have social media monitoring teams to monitor social platforms for any public transportation-related concerns.)

“Magtulungan tayo upang patuloy na maging maayos ang serbisyo ng ating public transportation. On the part of the LTFRB, we will continue to be the protector of the interest of the riding public,” Mendoza added.

(Let us help each other in ensuring that our public transportation services are efficiently. On the part of the LTFRB, we will continue to be the protector of the interest of the riding public.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News