Press Release
December 14, 2008

REVILLA SOUGHT SAFETY OF HOLIDAY TRAVELERS

Senator Bong Revilla urged the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and other concerned agencies to sanction transportation companies that will be found guilty of taking advantage of the expected huge crowd of passengers who will be going on vacation to or from the provinces this coming long Christmas holiday.

According to the senator, DOTC and its attached agencies should exert all efforts together with the Philippine National Police to ensure the convenience and safety of passengers traveling by land, air or sea.

Revilla said if necessary, he will push for the cancellation of franchise of authorized public transportation companies proven guilty of franchise violations.

" The expected further rise of public transport demand next week should not be addressed to the extent of ignoring at the moment illegal PUVs, overloading sea vessels, disordered airport procedures and other travel hassles," said Revilla, newly- designated chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services.

Revilla proposed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to grant special permits for PUVs to cope up with the increased number of passengers, at the same time continue with its campaign against colorum vehicles. The special permits allow a public utility vehicle to ply routes outside its approved route.

He called on PUV drivers and operators not to deprive commuters with the lower fare rates issued by LTFRB effective tomorrow (Monday, December 15), including suspended for three months the P10 so-called "compulsory tip" of taxi drivers.

"Christmas is a time of giving, not overcharging. But for sure, many of our commuting countrymen will be generous to share their blessing by giving a tip to those who will drive them to their destination safely. "said Revilla, who lauded the DOTC and the LTFRB for its "Oplan Isnabero" campaign against choosy taxi drivers.

Revilla also warned PUVs drivers against over-speeding, especially bus drivers who race with each other to meet the bus companies' quota system that forces drivers to take in P15,000 worth of fare within 18 hours of travel time. "We must learn from the series of bus accidents along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, North Luzon Expressway and in the provinces that claimed several lives. Road mishaps are already the fourth leading cause of deaths among Filipinos," he pointed out.

The lawmaker called on the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to closely monitoring passenger sea vessels to arrest the practice of overloading of passengers and cargoes which is among the major factors that caused sea mishaps in the country.

Meanwhile, Revilla said security measure as well as delayed and cancelled flights are among the airport hassles can turn a pleasant vacation into a nightmare.

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