Reject new bus franchise applications

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reject new bus franchise applications for bus routes covered by a moratorium on new franchises to avert corruption and red tape even at the application stage.

Roxas said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is ensuring a transparent and fair policy in the LTFRB’s processing of franchises as part of the government’s “matuwid na daan” principle and eliminating the “wang-wang” mentality in the bureaucracy.

He said the move is also in response to the petition of Philippine Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) for fair treatment on all franchise applications.

“That’s the best way to stop corruption,” said Roxas during a meeting with bus transport operators Friday. “You don’t even start the processing because there’s no future for it. Otherwise it will only invite red tape in the department.”

Roxas also gave assurance that the DOTC will act on complaints filed with the department on alleged illegal use of public utility bus permits.

He also urged the Integrated Metro Manila Bus Association to identify bus operators who have franchises buses using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) but run on regular gasoline or diesel.

“If they don’t use their units with LPG or CNG even if they have been given franchises for these, that’s a clear violation,” he said.

Franchise holders for LPG or CNG buses are said to have been making the excuse that there is no available or adequate LPG or CNG supply in the market.

Roxas added that the DOTC may consider establishing more CNG depots nationwide. Currently, there is only one CNG depot in the country with supply coming from the Malampaya natural gas well in Palawan.

He committed to provide financial assistance to the transport sector for the use of any ecology-friendly technology.

“We have the resources to help in the campaign to solve pollution problem. That includes engine retrofitting or replacement, engine conversion to CNG, change of a 10 -year- old engine to a new one, conversion that will make for better combustion, mileage efficiency. We will study ideas that are not yet used,” he said.

He said DOTC will also study a proposal of PBOAP to amend a DOTC policy prohibiting CNG-run buses from plying along EDSA.