Super 5 suspension order stays, says LTFRB

By URIEL C. QUILINGUING
Contributing Editor

THE suspension of Super 5 Transport Service Company’s franchise for the Cagayan de Oro-Wao-Banisilan inter-regional route is still in effect, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Monday.

Aminoden Guro, LTFRB director for Region 10, made the clarification after he received a report that buses of Super 5 continue to ply the Cagayan de Oro-Valencia via Malaybalay route despite the 30-day maximum suspension of its franchise that took effect  Feb. 19.

Guro said if Super 5 buses continue to operate in the Cagayan de Oro-Valencia route, the units may be under a separate intra-regional case folder or franchise which his office issued, but assured such would be verified further.

He said that although the inter-regional franchise for the Cagayan de Oro-Wao-Banisilan via Valencia and Malaybalay route was issued by the LTFRB en banc, yet he has the authority to suspend it once there are accidents, as provided for under LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004.

 Guru issued the suspension order two days after one of the firm’s buses plunged into a ravine in Barangay Puerto, this city, killing the driver and injuring over a dozen passengers.    

“It’s not been lifted and is still under resolution,” said Guru as he explained that after the Feb. 26 hearing, his office has yet to be satisfied with the defendant Super 5 position paper.

Another hearing may still be set, Guro said, adding that the position paper must convince the hearing officer that the accident was not the driver’s fault and that all buses in that particular case folder or franchise, including the ill-fated unit, are still road-worthy.

Guro said all passengers must be provided with the needed medical treatment by the firm, and all complaints must be resolved.