DUMAGUETE CITY (PNA) - The Land Transportation Office in Bais City, Negros Oriental, continues to wage a war against traffic violators to ensure the safety of road users.
Janine Lawas, LTO-Bais District Office head, on Monday conducted a random checkpoint in Bais City and flagged down several passenger buses, motorcycles, private and public vehicles to inspect if their papers were in order.
One Ceres bus was found to have irregularities and was held for about half an hour while the LTO team confiscated the bus' license plates. This was done after it was allegedly found not to have a franchise.
Lawas, however, explained that while the bus was subject to impounding, she had to let the bus proceed to San Carlos City in Negros Occidental so as not to inconvenience the passengers. But, she assured that the penalties and fines due the bus company shall be imposed.
Just recently, about eight other passenger buses were also impounded at the LTO-Bais for various violations, such as being out-of-line or travelling on a route outside its original destination.
Over-all, since she took over as LTO Chief of Bais District, Lawas said around 20 passenger buses, mostly from Ceres Liner, have been impounded and/or fined.
Local bus companies have been airing their complaints to the media that while they were complying with the requirements as mandated by law, they were surprised that many Ceres buses were allegedly being ''allowed'' to operate out-of-line.
Lawas said motorists driving without license and registration papers have also been apprehended, as well as motorcycles that were found without mufflers, de-accessorized and/or used for drag racing. According to Lawas, they will continue relentlessly with their campaign to rid the streets of traffic violators, regardless of whether they are in the private sector or in government.
