By PERSEUS ECHEMINADA
The Philippine Star
Officials at the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are questioning the proliferation of “Bayani” stickers on windshields of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Motorists and commuters are also asking which “bayani” or hero to whom the stickers refer.
They said the term could refer to the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport 25 years ago or to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando, who is aiming for the presidency in the 2010 polls.
According to reports reaching the LTO and LTFRB, motorists are asking if the sticker is only good for the celebration of Aquino’s death anniversary on Aug. 21 or until the 2010 presidential elections. President Arroyo, in line with her holiday economics policy, moved up the commemoration of Aquino’s death to yesterday.
“If it refers to Ninoy, then motorists can remove it after (today), but if it refers to the presidential ambition of chairman Fernando, it’s another story,” a top LTO official, who asked not to be identified, said.
He said markings other than the official signage on PUVs should be cleared with the LTFRB, which authorizes markings. “Even advertisements need clearance from the LTFRB,” the official said.
LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion said his office has not received any application for the sticker, which began appearing on PUVs two months ago.
“Since we are a quasi-judicial body, we will act on the issue if anyone files a complaint,” he told The STAR.
The MMDA admitted it was the source of the Bayani stickers being carried by almost all provincial and Metro Manila buses.
Drivers interviewed by The STAR said MMDA traffic enforcers are lenient in apprehending PUVs with Bayani stickers, particularly those plying EDSA.
However, LTO and LTFRB officials are in a quandary on how to deal with the unauthorized sticker.
Lantion said as soon as they receive a complaint, they will call MMDA officials to shed light on the controversial sticker.