'Palong-palo': Jeepney driver in trouble over 'trip to heaven' mode, LTFRB summons PUV operator
photo: LTFRB
A passenger jeepney driver is now in deep trouble for the alleged “trip to heaven” mode in a viral video wherein the uploader and the netizens pointed out the possibility of illegal substance use.
“Palong-palo”, a netizen commented, referring to the alleged visible effects of illegal drugs use while the driver was plying a route on a busy road as seen in the viral video.
On Saturday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show cause order (SCO) to the operator of the passenger jeepney to demand an explanation over what it described as disturbing content involving a public utility vehicle (PUV).
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said the investigation is intended to identify the driver and set the record straight on insinuations of the netizens of the possible illegal substance use as seen in the behavior in the viral video.
“This is really dangerous if the allegation is true, something that we in the LTFRB will not let pass. We assure the public that we will look into this case and part of our initial action is to ensure the driver involved will not be allowed to temporarily operate pending the result of the investigation,” said Pua.
In the viral video, the driver was seen unsafe driving practices and appeared to have been unmindful of the safety and comfort of the passengers.
Pua said the hearing was set on Sept. 10 to clear things up on the possibility of illegal drugs use as he noted that if the observation is true, the incident was a clear violation of the conditions set on the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
As operators, he said they have the obligation to ensure that the drivers they would hire are not reckless drivers and are always in good mental and physical condition since what is at stake is not only the safety of the passengers but also other road users.
The viral video was monitored by the LTFRB Social Media Monitoring Team and was immediately acted upon by sending SCO to the registered operator of the passenger jeepney.
Pua stressed the importance of reporting any cases or incidents of abuses and violations of public utility drivers and operators, saying the LTFRB and the public are partners in ensuring a safe and comfortable public transportation.
In this case, he said the posting of the video led to the LTFRB acting on the matter.
He then urged the public to report similar cases and other road safety violation involving PUVs through the LTFRB Hotline 1342, and even via social media accounts.