The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) has expanded operations to areas just outside Metro Manila, as it continues to intensify its campaign against dilapidated public-utility vehicles (PUVs).
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Thomas Orbos, who is also the head of I-ACT, said the government would be remiss on its duty if it would continue allowing commuters to ride in dilapidated jeepneys.
“This campaign [Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok] is also for the good of our riding public,” Orbos said, adding that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has decided to issue special permits to other PUVs to accommodate affected passengers.
The concurrent transportation undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure said I-ACT operatives will now also be visible in Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Antipolo in Rizal to implement the “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign, the on-road inspection of PUVs.
“These areas affect traffic in the metropolis, as most commuters coming from these provinces are working in Metro Manila,” I-ACT Task Force Alamid Head General Manuel Gonzales said.
The expanded operations in Mega Manila will be headed by 120-strong I-ACT composite team consisting of personnel from MMDA, Land Transportation Office, LTFRB, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, in close coordination with the respective local government units.
According to Gonzales, “the primary concern of the council’s expansion of operation is to ensure the safety of the riding public, not only in the Metro, but in other areas of the country, as well, as it is in line with President Duterte’s directive to modernize the public-transport system nationwide.”
Orbos likewise received requests from Cebu and Davao for I-ACT to bring its Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok operations in their cities.
Orbos could not commit as of now, however, as I-ACT is still strengthening its forces by adding logistics and manpower from member-agencies.
Under the campaign, the council will inspect PUVs’ body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery and smoke emission to check their roadworthiness.