LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - Public safety first before profit.

This is the gist of a resolution filed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Majority Floorleader John Agerico B. Rosario urging concerned government agencies to come up with accreditation guidelines for private vans for hire in Pangasinan.

Rosario noted an increasing number of private vans which doulbe as public utilty vehicle even without the necessary franchises or authorization.

These private vehicles ply different routes inside and outside the province and raking in money in direct competition to legitimate operators who pay franchise fees and other obligations to the government, he pointed out.

It is time, he said, the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, Land Transportatin Office, Philippine National Police and the Department of Tourism institute accreditation guidelines for all private vans for hire operating in the province.

Rosario said the primary objective of the move is to safeguard the welfare of the public by having the vehicles covered by insurance and regulatory policies.

Many of the private vans for hire are being used to convey passengers and goods, while some are being hired to transport pupils and students to and from schools.

Legitimate operators of public utility vehicles hailed the measure as a “critical necessity” as this would eliminate unfair competition, impose discipline and offer protection to the public. (PIO/Jennifer Domantay)