LTFRB slaps 3 bus companies with cease and desist order

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued on Monday a cease and desist order against three bus companies from operating 29 units until a public hearing verifying their certificates of public convenience (CPC) is complete.

The board issued the order against BCB Transport Inc., Worthy Transport, Inc. and CEMTRANS Services, Inc.

LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said the order was based on findings by the board's Technical Evaluation Division on BCB Transport, Inc.'s units which showed that it is owned and operated by Worthy Transport, Inc.

The bus, which plies the Navotas-Alabang route, was reportedly overspeeding and driving recklessly on Jan. 20, almost figuring in a road accident with the family of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda along EDSA.

The review showed that BCB Transport Inc. under case 2003-0464 was the registered operator but the unit is now being operated by Worthy Transport, Inc. and CEMTRANS Services. Inc., without approval of the board.

According to LTFRB, BCB Transport, Inc. has not yet filed any application for the sale and transfer of the subject CPC and its authorized units, either in favor of Worthy Transport, Inc. or CEMTRANS Services, Inc.

”This is a clear violation of the regulation stipulated in their CPCs or franchises that could result to cancellation of permits to operate,” Ginez said.

Under the cease and desist order, LTFRB is suspending Worthy Transport Inc. bus with plate number UYA-994 from operating as well as other similar units which are being operated by it but are still 

registered under BCB Transport, Inc.

The board also issued the order to CEMTRANS Services, Inc. from operating seven units registered to BCB Transport, Inc. LTFRB is scheduled to confiscate the yellow plates of the units on Jan. 30.