Transport franchising devolution urged
by Prix D Banzon
Davao City (30 August) -- Government is being asked to devolve the franchising of jeepneys, taxis and buses to the local government units (LGUs).
In Davao City, Councilor Peter Lavina presented a Resolution on August 28 session asking Congress to enact a law devolving land transport franchising to LGUs.
The Local Government Code he said mandates local autonomy and decentralization to enhance the LGUs ability to provide basic services, including transportations.
The franchising of tricycles and small sea crafts have been devolved to LGUs but not with jeepneys, taxis and buses.
The issuance of franchise is still with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Baord (LTFRB) under the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).
"The local authorities know their land transport situation and needs better than the national government and the grant of franchises should be best entrusted to LGUs," he said.
Meanwhile, Lavina authored a Resolution requesting the immediate suspension of the increase in airport terminal fees.
The DOTC imposed at the Davao International Airport a new schedule of terminal fee both for domestic and international passengers.
Effective last Tuesday, August 28, the P40 terminal fee for domestic passengers was increased to P200 while for international passengers from P500 to P550.
He said the move was an added burden to passengers and a dis-incentive to travel where travel is being promoted by government.
He said no consultation was made on the hike of the airport fees.
The increase was carried under DOTC Order No. 2007-25.
In a earlier report Davao International Airport Manager Frederick San Felix said that their agency held several consultations on the implementation of the increase even as he said that the Davao airport had the lowest terminal fee among the international airports nationwide. (PIA XI) [top]
