LTO chief clarifies issue on AO 15

ROXAS CITY – Finally, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Jun Degollado broke his silence over the implementation of controversial Administrative Order No. 2008-015 or the rules and regulations on the use and operation of motorcycles on highways.

Degollado, who attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday, said that the office of the LTO in Capiz has nothing to do with the directive from central office but to implement it.

"The bottom line of this AO No. 2008-15 is to protect the drivers and passengers," Degollado clarified.

Ealier, the LTO chief snubbed the SP invitation initiated by Board Member Baden Cantiller, chair committee on Transportation and Communication, as the latter requested his presence to shed light on the implementation.

Degollado said that he had a prior commitment and was hesitant to honor the invitation for fear that he might be grilled during the question hour.

Cantiller then initiated to meet Degollado at his office.

During yesterday's session, Cantiller reiterated that the said AO No. 2008-15 is not applicable in Capiz since some motorcycle drivers wanted to have more passengers especially in the far-flung barangays for more income.

But Degollado reasoned out that the most important is the safety and the protection of the drivers and passengers.

"Which is most important, the income of the drivers or their safety with passengers? Degollado asked.

Likewise discussed as asked by Cantiller was the existence of colorum L300 vans justified by Degollado as existing not only in Capiz but also in the entire country.

He clarified that based on their records many colorum vans had been apprehended.

He also said that single motorcycles should not be issued with franchise because only the 3 wheelers are allowed to have franchise by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).