LTFRB to truckers: Sue MMDA, LGUs

MANILA, Philippines - Truck operators may sue the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) that will not honor the provisional authority given to them as they apply for their franchises, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Winston Ginez said yesterday.

“That could be the recourse of the truck operators,” Ginez told The STAR in an interview.

Ginez’s statement came after the MMDA and mayors of Metro Manila “declared war” on the board’s action to grant provisional authority to truckers.

The local chief executives also vowed not to honor the provisional authority given to trucks for hire, saying allowing their operation had worsened traffic congestion all over the metropolis.

But according to Ginez, the granting of provisional authority is allowed under the law for operators seeking to be granted a franchise by the LTFRB.

Ginez said truck operators could question the legality of not honoring a duly issued provisional authority.

The board had earlier extended for another month the validity of the provisional authority given to these truck operators.

This was to give them time to apply for their franchises, as another memorandum earlier issued by the board imposes higher penalties on traffic violations, including the operation of colorum – which covers unregistered and out-of-line – trucks and public utility vehicles.

According to Ginez, the board’s policy should not be blamed for the traffic problem, saying the board’s recent policy did not lift the MMDA’s own truck ban.