LTFRB chief says transfer is move to stop exposés

CEBU, Philippines – Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Benjamin Go believes his impending transfer is a move to stop his exposes on the alleged anomalies at the bureau.

"Mao na'y solution nila, ibalhin ko, then business as usual again. Hindi na matuloy ang pag-expose ko sa mga anomalies. Sa bagay, pagod na ako, payag na rin ako lumipat na lang," Go told The FREEMAN.

Rumors circulating the transportation industry have it that Go will be transferred to another region and will be replaced by a public information officer of a government-owned and controlled corporation.

Go, who assumed as regional director last May 13, admitted being disappointed with the transfer and said he feels "harassed" by reports that he is making the exposes as a means to get money. He said he does not need to engage in illegal activities for money because he belongs to a well to do family.

"Give me a Holy Bible and I will place my hand on it and swear. Grabe na nga demolition job. Sobra na kaayo na. Naa man siguro lie detector test sa National Bureau of Investigation willing ko mag-undergo to prove that I am not lying," Go said in a text message to the reporter who reportedly writes adverse reports against him.

One report has it that Go's expose can be likened to the so-called "Oplan Paila-ila" popularized among law enforcement officers when they get assigned to a new place.

Go assured he will stand by his exposes.

"I will stand as witness against all those illegal franchises that were issued by my predecessors when this will be investigated by central office of LTFRB," Go said.

He also admitted being saddened that no one at LTFRB seems to be supporting his move to investigate the questionable issuance of some 2,000 taxi franchises even after the moratorium issued by the LTFRB-Manila in 2003.

When the LTFRB-Manila suspended the issuance of additional taxi franchises in Metro Cebu in 2003, the number of taxi units was pegged at 4,000. However, recent records show that there are at least 6,000 taxi units now operating in Metro Cebu.

Go earlier accused lawyer Evelyn Misal, his chief legal officer who also served as hearing officer of applications for franchises, as having participated in the questionable issuance of hundreds of taxi franchises in Metro Cebu. (FREEMAN)