Noy has yet to talk to ex-LTFRB chief

NAGA CITY, Philippines – President Aquino has yet to talk to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Jaime Jacob regarding his resignation.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, and I would want to talk to him before I comment on that,” the President yesterday told Palace reporters in an interview here, saying he did not know the reason for Jacob’s resignation.

The LTFRB chief tendered his resignation, which is supposed to be effective March 31.

“I confirm my resignation, but allow me not to make further comment anymore,” Jacob said in a text message on Wednesday.

“Even as I have tried my best after almost two years in office, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot, under prevailing circumstances and by my standards, satisfactorily perform the functions as chairman of the LTFRB,” he said in his resignation letter dated March 18.

The Office of the President received Jacob’s resignation letter on Tuesday, said LTFRB spokesperson Jocelyn Reyes. Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya was also furnished a copy of the letter.

Jacob assumed office as LTFRB chair in September 2011 after Nelson Laluces resigned in August that year.