City Mayor Rolando A. Uy has been given the authority by the City Council to sign the Service Contract Agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - X (LTFRB), and 32 Transport Service Entities (TSE) in Region X, for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Service Contracting (PUVSC) Program Phase 5.
The PUVSC program aims to incentivize PUV operators through performance-based payout to enhance commuting experience of passengers, promote use of public transit, and contribute to the development of a more efficient and reliable transport system.
It also aims to address the challenges in the public transportation sector, such as, but not limited to, low or insufficient revenue for operators, low ridership, inadequate maintenance of vehicles, and irregular service frequencies.
Under the said agreement, LTFRB shall coordinate with the LGU for the proper implementation of the program, ensure payment to the PUV operators based on the payment scheme and compliance with labor and other prevailing laws.
For its part, the LGU shall work with LTFRB in strictly monitoring the deployment of the PUV operator during the implementation of the program, assist in the resolution of issues and challenges in connection with the implementation of the program.
It shall also participate in stakeholders’ consultations to determine the needs and requirements of the contracted PUV operator and coordinate with the relevant government agencies that can provide the needed assistance in order to ensure the seamless implementation of the program.
Meanwhile, the operators are tasked to communicate the details of the service plan or authorized route to its drivers, ensure payment of salaries and wages to respective drives and personnel, execute and submit to the LTFRB an affidavit of undertaking to comply with the conditions of the program.
They must also comply existing and subsequent issuances and policies of the LTFRB in the operation of public transportation.
During the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, all city council members unanimously approved of the separate ordinances sponsored by the public utilities committee of Councilor Romeo Calizo and laws and rules committee of Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas. (FDCalotes/SP)
COUNCILOR Edgar S. Cabanlas expressed his optimism regarding the proposed construction of a mini-market in Barangay Macasandig.
This, following the discussion of the request of the Macasandig Barangay Council for the said project which will be located at Sitio Tibasak within Balangay Pangandoy Area of the said barangay.
During the meeting of the committee on subdivision and landed estate, presided by Councilor Cabanlas, he acknowledged the effort of the city government through the Barangay Council of Macasandig for the project, citing that it will provide residents with easier access to essential goods.
“I totally agree with the request of the barangay council. We may use that property as a mini public market of Macasandig,” said Cabanlas.
He even manifested that he already had a conversation with Mayor Rolando A. Uy about the proposed project and further stated that the residents of the United Settlers Association (USA), who once occupied a portion of the property, were already transferred to the city’s relocation sites.
Barangay Kagawad Amor Sanchez said it will save time and make easier for families to get things they need instead of going to Cogon Market. This will benefit not only the Barangay Macasandig but also the neighboring barangays, he added.
The committee will inspect the area on February 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM. (JBDacer/SP)
“You have to knock on the door before you are allowed entry.”
This was how Councilor Roger G. Abaday likened the granting of permit to AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., before they can legally operate in the city and conduct gaming operations at Robinson’s Mall.
During a recent committee meeting, Abaday advised Mr. Jeff Perualila, legal manager of the company, to secure first the no objection resolution of the barangay before it be referred again to the city government for scrutiny of documentary requirements and conduct of an ocular inspection.
Before approving any resolution for the purpose, the City Council will be needing a consolidated summary report of the departments and government agencies, who will form part of the city’s inspection team, he added.
Meanwhile, the City Legal Office urged the company to complete the checklist of requirements to be issued by the City Finance Office and show proof that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation officially approved them.
The Office of the City Building Official also reminded Perualila to secure a permit to construct.
AB Leisure Exponent Inc. has been operating for 20 years and has 38 sites across the country, with one located at SM Uptown. (FDCalotes/SP)