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10 drivers apprehended in Cebu for not wearing protective masks

By John Rey Saavedra

February 5, 2020, 6:19 pm

<p><strong>NONCOMPLIANT DRIVERS</strong>. Four of 10 vehicles are flagged down by personnel of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 (Central Visayas) on Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2020). The LTFRB-7 issued an inspection report summons to the drivers for not complying with a circular requiring them to wear a face mask amid the nCoV scare. <em>(Photos courtesy of LTFRB-7)</em></p>

NONCOMPLIANT DRIVERS. Four of 10 vehicles are flagged down by personnel of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 (Central Visayas) on Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2020). The LTFRB-7 issued an inspection report summons to the drivers for not complying with a circular requiring them to wear a face mask amid the nCoV scare. (Photos courtesy of LTFRB-7)

CEBU CITY -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 (Central Visayas) on Tuesday apprehended 10 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) for violating the new policy requiring them to wear a protective face mask while on duty.

Eduardo Montealto Jr., director of LTFRB-7, said their operatives issued the 10 drivers inspection report summons (IRS), directing them to show cause why they should not be fined for violating the franchise guidelines.

The operation was conducted Tuesday morning after the central office issued Memorandum Circular 2020-005, which set the guidelines for all public utility drivers, conductors, and terminal operators in ensuring safe public transportation because of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) scare.

The circular has directed “all PUV drivers and conductors to properly wear a face mask at all times while on duty and for all franchise holders to ensure compliance” with the policy.

Terminal operators have also been directed “to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness in their premises, to provide face masks, as well as disinfectant or sanitizer dispensers for the free use of the passengers.”

Montealto said the circular covers all drivers and conductors of public utility jeepneys, taxis, buses, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS).

“Franchise holders are bound by all memorandum circulars issued by the LTFRB. They have to comply or else, they will be facing breach of franchise that carries a minimum penalty of PHP5,000 for the first offense, PHP10,000 for the second offense, and PHP15,000 plus impoundment of the unit and cancellation of franchise (for the third offense),” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The circular, he said, was issued to protect the health and well-being of the drivers and conductors who are vulnerable to diseases due to exposure to different health conditions of passengers.

Meanwhile, Montealto advised the drivers to just follow what has been required of them under the new memo to avoid being fined.

His reaction came after some drivers complained about social media that the PHP5,000 penalty for not wearing a face mask is too big.

“They can devise a mask. They can use their handkerchief or face towel to cover their nose and mouth. Table napkin can even be used, as long as they are protected from the virus,” Montealto said.

He also warned the PUV drivers against using the new circular to refuse to convey passengers who are Chinese-looking, noting that this is also a violation of the franchise, which has a separate penalty.

"That's why they are required to wear a mask because, aside from ensuring safe public transport, the drivers should not be given a reason to refuse to take a passenger because of suspicion that he is infected with coronavirus because of his looks,” Montealto said.

Passengers, he said, are exempted from the circular but are encouraged to also wear a face mask while onboard the PUVs. (PNA)

 

 

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