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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider LTO warns motorists: IATF safety, health guidelines strictly implemented

LTO warns motorists: IATF safety, health guidelines strictly implemented

Published Jun 10, 2020 12:00 am
By Alexandria San Juan
While quarantine restrictions have been eased in Metro Manila and other areas, transportation authorities warned motorists anew to strictly follow road protocols in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) as penalties await for violators.
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), failing to observe safety guidelines issued by the transportation and health authorities has corresponding violations of laws and regulations in land transport. In Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2185 issued by the LTO last month, non-compliance with sanitary measures such as not wearing face masks will be considered reckless driving for both private and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers with a corresponding fine of P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and P10,000 for the subsequent offense under the agency’s Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01.
In addition, PUV drivers will also be penalized for breach of franchise conditions. LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said in an interview that based on the guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), drivers of private cars and PUVs must wear face masks "at all times."
"Yun ang kautusan galing sa IATF kaya sinusunod lang natin. Hindi natin pwedeng baguhin. Hindi naman naka-qualify kung may kasama ka o mag-isa ka lang. Nakalagay dapat magsuot ng face mask at all times," Galvante explained.
Meanwhile, those violate physical distancing guidelines in public and private vehicles through transporting more than the allowed passenger capacity will face penalties and charges for overloading with P1,000 fine under JAO.
Based on the guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), all motor vehicles, public and private, are only allowed to ferry 50 percent of its maximum passenger capacity.
"For motor vehicles, only one passenger is allowed to occupy the passenger seat. Passenger load for front-facing seats shall not exceed two passengers per row. Side-facing seats shall have passenger load not exceeding 50 percent or half of the seating capacity where passengers should be seated in accordance with the physical distancing guidelines of the Department of Health," the memorandum stated.
Backriding on motorcycles is still prohibited during the GCQ period in compliance with physical distancing requirements, the LTO added.
Private vehicle drivers not classified as authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) will be charged with driving without a valid license and will face up to P3,000 in fines, while PUV drivers without a special permit to operate will also be penalized for "colorum" violation.
Galvante said LTO law enforcement officers and local deputized officers have so far apprehended 41 violators, mostly motorists who are not observing physical distancing such as backriding on motorcycles.
Commuters and motorists returned on the roads on June 1 after the capital region and other provinces transitioned into GCQ with less stringent protocols, while some modes of public transportation resumed operations.
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