Barangays sternly warned

For collecting illegal fees from jeepney drivers

City Administrator Vittorio Jerico Cawis has issued a stern warning against barangay officials allegedly collecting unauthorized fees often disguised as “donations” from public utility jeepney (PUJ) associations utilizing roads within the Central Business District (CBD) as loading areas.
Calling the practice both illegal and callous, Cawis said that public roads are not toll gates for barangays and the city will not tolerate the extortion of drivers.
“Our public transport sector is currently the most critically hit by the ongoing fuel and energy crisis. To bleed them further with forced ‘donations’ just to operate within their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) is completely unacceptable and devoid of basic empathy,” Cawis said.
The city administrator said the City Government is now actively looking into these allegations.
“Any official or personnel proven to be executing or tolerating these illegal collections will face severe administrative charges and the necessary penalties under the law,” he said.
Transport associations and drivers who have been subjected to these illegal “donations” are encouraged to report the specific barangays and officials directly to the City Mayor’s Office or the City Administrator’s Office for immediate action. ** CAO/apr