ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas, through an executive order, officially extended the suspension of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) to Oct. 6.
The first suspension for 45 days ended on Aug. 22. Treñas extended it for another 45 days.
He cited the following reasons:
* the still existing COVID-19 pandemic which requires observance to health and safety protocols
* the increasing prices of commodities; the inflation experienced by both national and local economies
* the public clamor of the community against LPTRP
* the increase in the volume of commuters due to the opening of classes
* the ongoing public consultation regarding the LPTRP
Treñas said the extension will give the city government enough time to finalize the proposed amendments to the LPTRP gathered from public consultations.
“I think we have done so many consultations already,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Aug. 30, a Transport Summit relative to the LPTRP will be held at the University of the Philippines Visayas, according to Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Transportation.
Cabaluna said the city government will present the proposed amendments to the LPTRP.
The summit will remain open for more inputs, he added.
The LPTRP banned provincial jeepneys from entering the city. Many drivers of Pavia, Leganes and Oton town jeepneys were economically displaced.
Also due to the ban, Iloilo City-bound passengers from Iloilo province and those from Aklan, Capiz and Antique were forced to take two or three rides, making them spend more on fare./PN