DOLE to transport operators: secure DOLE clearance 2 months before franchise lapse

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here has advised bus operators in the region to secure clearance from the agency at least two months before expiration of the franchises.

DOLE Bicol regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said that the measure will help expedite the issuance of clearance, avoiding delays and penalties as DOLE strictly adheres to the procedural guidelines in securing the clearance and that there will be “no shortcuts” to such.

The pronouncement came, after several bus operators complained over their late renewal of franchise from LTFRB and the delay of issuance of DOLE clearance.

DOLE 5, however, strongly denied the allegations saying that several bus operators went to their agency urging them to release their DOLE clearance two days before the lapse of their franchise.

DOLE 5 emphasized that two days is not enough for the agency to issue a clearance since a routine inspection of the premises and facilities of the venture or operator is necessary and a requirement before they can issue a clearance.

“We cannot just issue a DOLE Clearance. We have to examine their records thru routine inspection to determine whether or not they are complying with labor standards. They can’t come and order us to give clearance for reasons that they will incur penalties due to delay. They should have applied to us (DOLE) earlier instead,” Lacambra said.

Lacambra explained that securing a DOLE clearance, bus operators must first submit to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) a part fixed and productivity based compensation scheme. After evaluation, RTWPB will then issue a certification which will endorse the same to the DOLE Regional Office. Upon receipt, the DOLE shall conduct an inspection of the bus company, its premises, workers and safety standards set.

If found with violation, the bus company is given one month to correct the violation and comply with the requirements of the DOLE.

It is only after these are complied before DOLE regional office can issue the Labor Standards Clearance.

DOLE- 5 has already processed, with no delays, about seven DOLE clearances while some 25 requests were already received by the office. Of the 25 requests, about four applied two days before the lapse of their franchise.

DOLE 5 advised the operators of these 4 bus companies to seek extension from the LTFRB pending the issuance of the DOLE clearance.

Lacambrahas reiterated that DOLE Department Order (DO) No. 118-12 was created to ensure road safety by making a more conducive and more ‘relax’ environment for drivers and conductors of buses.

The measure was implemented following an increasing incidence of road accidents brought about by buses racing for passengers were noted. (MAL-PIA5/DOLE/Albay)