RTMI slams in action of LTFRB vs illegal buses

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

Bus operators in Mindanao are up in arms on the perceived inaction of the regional offices of Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on their complaints against non-franchised Public Utility Vehicles operating in island.

In a 10-page complaint letter raised by Atty. Julius C. Entila before LTFRB-central office in Manila, local regional offices based in Mindanao area failed to track down buses and other PUVs operating without any franchise and other legal permits.

Entila, who serves as legal counsel for Bachelor Express Inc. (BEI) also known as Rural Transit Mindanao Inc, also alleged that some operators use similar motor vehicle numbers for their buses.

According to the complaint, illegal operations were noted along routes plying Butuan City to Davao City vice versa and other parts of Caraga region. Private aircon vans were also noted operating illegally in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental going to Zamboanga City, and vice versa.

Entila initially filed complaint against two bus companies that have been allegedly operating under colorum operation by operating some of its units outside authorized routes.

Entila claimed these Davao-based bus companies are “operating illegally in reproducing similar Motor Vehicle file numbers for their buses.”

He added one of the companies (does) not have any franchise to operate in Butuan City and other nearby provinces,” he said.

Entila claimed the violation will create serious confusion and misrepresentation to the riding public.

“This act is another kind of fraud resorted to by (these companies), which is this time, already intended to defraud not only the riding public but the government as well through the Land Transportation Office. These buses should be impounded,” he added.