THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Friday convened industry stakeholders and other government agencies in crafting a National Land Transport Policy Framework (NLTPF).

Executive Order 712, issued by President Arroyo last month, directs the DOTC to establish a policy framework that will facilitate the modernization of the land-transport industry through the promotion of utility services which are environment-friendly and shall provide assistance to the land-transport sector.

“We want to implement a uniform policy so as to harmonize existing policies of local government units [LGUs], Metropolitan Manila Development Authority [MMDA], Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH] and other agencies that are related to transportation. There are other experts helping us out in crafting this policy framework,” said Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza in an interview during last Friday’s consultation on the national NLTPF.

In crafting the NLTPF, the DOTC needs to identify the key issues and concerns constraining the development of the land-transport sub-sector as a vital component of an efficient and sustainable transport system in the country.

The department also needs to clarify the spatial, economical, social, institutional and environmental dimension of the land-transport policies and identify, as well as the corresponding strategic actions to be undertaken.

“This is what the workshop is all about. We need to clarify these issues and inform the industry stakeholders about this as a first step in formulating the policy framework,” Mendoza added.

The EO was issued to address the complaints about the establishment of common transport terminals by LGUs in their respective jurisdiction; the use of their own traffic-citation tickets known as Ordinance Violation Receipts; rerouting schemes in violation of authorized routes as provided in their respective certificates of public convenience issued by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board; and the enactment of various ordinances which result in additional cost to public-utility vehicles operators and drivers.

The EO also directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government, pending review of the DOTC of the transport rules  and regulations issued by LGUs, and subject to existing laws, to advise LGUs to suspend the establishment and operations of new and existing transport terminals that charge fees and require compulsory use by public-utility vehicles; the enforcement of rerouting schemes that violate the authorized routes as provided for in the PUV franchises; the issuance of new tricycle franchises while respecting those that have been issued already; the increase in local fees and charges applicable to public transportation; and the implementation of local programs, projects and ordinances that have impact on the cost of operations of public-utility vehicles without first coordinating and getting the approval of the DOTC to ensure that these programs, projects and ordinances do not prejudice public interest by way of higher transport fares.

It also directed the MMDA to implement a single-ticketing system throughout Metro Manila in accordance with Republic Act 7924, and the DILG to establish and implement uniform truck ban hours that shall be applicable to LGUs located in common area nationwide.

“The Supreme Court has confirmed that the DOTC has the power to establish and administer the programs for transportation such as common public-transport terminals, not the MMDA. We also have the police power and we have the authority to plan, establish, regulate, maintain and provide limited access highway facilities for the public use,” added Mendoza.

Mendoza said the EO states that the operation of public-utility vehicles is imbued with public interest and factors that increase the cost of operations have a direct impact on transport fares, hence LGUs should coordinate with the DOTC to ensure the public interest is not prejudiced.

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The militant farmers belonging to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) on Tuesday rejected Sen. Edgardo Angara’s proposal to privatize the National Food Authority (NFA) owing to the agency’s failure to address the rice crisis.

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Friday convened industry stakeholders and other government agencies in crafting a National Land Transport Policy Framework (NLTPF).

DAVAO CITY—Philippine Airlines would add another Airbus flight to this city beginning Thursday to decongest the volume of traffic in this route that has built up since the Holy Week holidays.