LTFRB, Makati wrangle on free bus service

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stands pat on its earlier decision to require the Makati City government unit to file an application for a special permit to continue offering free bus service for Metro Rail Transit passengers from Trinoma Station in Quezon City to Ayala Avenue.

The board, on April 2, sent a letter signed by LTFRB board member Ronald Corpus to the office of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. requesting the city government to submit all the documentary requirements to secure a special permit.

The special permit was to allow the city government to continue providing the free shuttle service for an extended period of time.

However, the city government, in reply to the letter, claimed that it had the power to provide adequate transportation services pursuant to the Local Government Code.

The city government also added that it should not be required to obtain franchises.

In response to the letter, the board clarified that it did not require the city government to secure a franchise to operate public land transportation service.

But the board said it had jurisdiction over public land transportation services even if operated by government entities, citing Section 13 of the Public Service Law.

In the reply letter, the board said Makati would be operating a public utility or common carrier service, which means the vehicles are under the regulatory powers of LTFRB that cannot just be simply abdicated.

“The directive of the Board for the City of Makati to file an application/petition for a special permit is but an exercise of our regulatory authority. We enjoined the City of Makati to abide with our existing laws on public land transportation similar to the strict implementation of rules and ordinances in their jurisdiction,” LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

Ginez added that the board would immediately act on any application for a special permit as soon as it receives the required documentary requirements.

“We share the city of Makati’s aim of helping public commuters efficiently and conveniently reach their destinations but the public transport mode should be within the bounds of the Public Service Law,” he said.