'Libreng Sakay' not against
traffic laws, says LTFRB

The “Libreng Sakay” offered to the riding public is not a traffic violation, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 6 (LTFRB-6).

This, after six drivers offering “Libreng Sakay” to the public, were apprehended Tuesday by the Traffic Management and Transportation Regulation Office (TMRTO) for “unfair labor practice.”

However, the LTFRB clarified that it is another story if there is an existing ordinance prohibiting such.

“Depende sa kanila (TMTRO) if they have existing city ordinance but we prefer not to comment further on the issue,” said LTFRB-6 regional director Romulo Bernardes.

He said “free ride” is not a traffic violation but it violated the provision under the franchise of Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ).

Bernardes further said the LTFRB cannot act on the apprehension because there is no formal complaint filed before his office.

The drivers, who were apprehended while plying their different routes, were hired by mayoralty candidate Rommel Ynion to offer “Libreng Sakay” to the public.

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

Tengco said the drivers were apprehended while they are plying their route to the downtown area, adding they were issued temporary operating permits (TOPs) after confiscating the drivers’ 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 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.*