LTFRB suspends 3 bus firms

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the operations of three bus firms – BCB Transport Inc., Worthy Transport Inc. and Cemtrans Services Inc. – until the completion of public hearings to ascertain the veracity of their franchises.

The cease and desist order was issued based on the findings conducted by the board’s technical evaluation division on one of the buses of BCB Transport Inc. with plate number UYA-994, but with body markings showing that it is owned and operated by Worthy Transport Inc.

A total of 29 buses of the three companies were ordered grounded in their respective garages. LTFRB personnel are scheduled to confiscate the yellow plates of these units on Jan. 30.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the driver of the bus plying the Navotas-Alabang route was reported driving recklessly by Malacañang spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Jan. 20.

Ginez said the bus almost figured in an accident with Lacierda’s family along EDSA.

A review of the franchise records of the bus shows that BCB Transport Inc. under case number 2003-0464 is the registered operator but is now being operated by Worthy and Cemtrans, without the approval of the board.

Ginez said this was a violation of the terms of the franchise.

The board said BCB Transport Inc. has not yet filed any application for the sale and transfer of its certificate of public conveyance and its authorized units, either in favor of Worthy or Cemtrans.

The three firms were given five days from the receipt of the order to explain why their franchises should not be suspended, cancelled, or revoked.