• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance condoning penalties, surcharges, interest, and other liabilities on business permits incurred by jeepney operators for the years when they were not granted provisional authority to operate under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first, second, third and final reading yesterday.
Authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, the ordinance said the PUVMP implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) requires jeepney operators to consolidate under transport service entities (TSEs) to qualify for provisional authority (PA) to operate. However, many operators were unable to secure PA in the preceding years due to the consolidation requirements set forth by national policy.
Jeepney operators unable to obtain PA were consequently unable to lawfully operate and renew their business permits during said years, resulting in the accrual of penalties, surcharges, interests, and other related liabilities imposed by the city government, it said.
It is recognized that the failure to secure provisional authority was caused by circumstances beyond the control of jeepney operators arising from the implementation of a national program that limited their ability to operate and comply with permit requirements, the ordinance said.
Local governments, pursuant to Section 192 of the Local Government Code (R.A. No. 7160), have the authority to grant condonation or amnesty on local taxes, fees, penalties, and surcharges in order to promote fairness, support the viability of critical public services, and encourage compliance with regulatory requirements, it said.
To be known as the “Equitable Relief and Condonation Ordinance for Jeepney Operators of 2026”, the ordinance applies to all registered jeepney operators in the City of Bacolod who were unable to secure PA to operate under the PUVMP during the years 2019 to 2025; and to those who have incurred penalties, surcharges, interests, fines, and other charges related to the late filing or non-renewal of city business permits attributable solely to the absence of valid PA for the years specified above.
Under the ordinance, all penalties, surcharges, interests, fines and other charges imposed by the city government on covered jeepney operators for business permit non-renewal or late processing within the years 2019 to 2015 are condoned provided that the operator has secured a provisional authority (PA) from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The condonation will not include their liability on the principal amount of the business permit for the years 2019 to 2025, it said.*
