LTFRB refuses to lift suspension on 2 bus firms

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Friday   declined the appeal of the two bus companies to lift the suspension order after their units figured in a road accident late last year.

The LTFRB affirmed its earlier ruling imposing a preventive suspension on and cancelling the bus firms' Certificate of Public Conveniences for refusing to comply with proper orders, rules and regulation of the Board.

The two bus companies figured in a fatal road accident last Nov. 14, 2013 resulting in the death of seven people and injuries to more than 30 passengers.

An Elena Liner Bus  (TXN-191) rammed into a bus stop along Edsa-Magallanes southbound lane, while the MGP bus (NVX-360 that) was rear-ended by the Elena bus was operating without a valid permit.

The LTFRB issued PSOs against Angelito Chan, operator of Elena Liner, preventively suspending his CPC to operate 21 buses, and against Margarito Penalosa, operator of MGP Trans, suspending his CPC to operate 18 units, both for 30 days.

Both operators filed motion for partial lifting of suspension as well as answered in compliance with the order to contest why their CPCs should not be suspended and revoked.

"While we recognized the financial effect on the part of the employees of the two bus companies, the rule of law must prevail above all; the safety of the riding public is the paramount and primordial consideration of the Board," LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

In the 12-page decision,  the Board said that after a thorough review of issues set forth in the Motion for Reconsideration, the LTFRB is not persuaded or convinced to lift the PSO.