LTFRB mulls issuing more franchise in Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board on Wednesday said it is looking into the possibility of issuing more franchises to public utility vehicles in typhoon-devastated areas in eastern Visayas.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said that due to the destruction brought about by super typhoon Yolanda, land transportation services in severely damaged provinces of Leyte and Samar have been inadequate.

"Maraming lugar at municipalities sa mga probinsya na nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda ang kulang ang pampasaheong sasakyan. Una, sa kadahilanang ang ibang pampublikong sasakyan ay nasira ng bagyo. Pangalawa, dahil sa dami ng mamayan na gustong lumikas sa ibang malapit na luga, kulang ang nalalabing PUBs (public utility buses)/PUVs (public utility vehicles) para dalhin sila sa ibang probinsya," Ginez said.

He said that the Board is now assessing the situation and considering issuing additional PUV franchises in selected areas in Region 8.

To date, there are 15,798 franchises in the region.

Ginez said that upon approval of the Department of Transportation and Communications, the LTFRB might issue additional franchises to allow PUBs/PUVs to operate in key areas of Leyte, particularly Tacloban, and towns of Allen, Catbalogan, Guiuan and Borongan in Eastern Samar.

With these new franchises, affected residents will have additional mode of transport to other nearby and neighboring places.  The move will also help facilitate the return to normalcy of the affected areas, Ginez said.

"We support the national government’s trust of helping our people to get back on their feet again as quickly as possible, and we believe an efficient and transport land service is crucial in achieving this goal," he added.

Earlier this week, the DOTC approved the LTRFB's request to allow more UV Express vehicles in Region 10 to serve the Laguindingan Airport-Cagayan de Oro route and the Laguindingan Airport-Iligan City route.

Ginez, however, warned unscrupulous drivers  against overcharging the riding public.

"In light of this situation, we are warning PUBs/PUVs from over-charging passengers in stricken areas, or else those caught will have their CPCs (certificate of public convenience) canceled," Ginez said.