GV Florida faces losing permit to operate Quezon City bus terminal

G.V. Florida Transport Inc., whose fleet has been suspended after a fatal bus crash early last month, may also lose its permit to operate a bus terminal in Quezon City for violating transportation laws, rules and regulations.

 

The City Council committee on laws, rules and internal government is already discussing a resolution asking the Quezon City government to cancel the business permit of G.V. Florida.

 

The proposal has already been reviewed by the committees on trade, commerce and industry, and transportation. If the committees approve the resolution, it will be sent to the council floor for second and third reading.

 

It was filed by Councilor Melencio Castelo. Jr on Feb. 10, days after a G.V Florida bus fell into a ravine in Bontoc, killing 15 people, including comedian Arvin “Tado” Jimenez.

 

In the proposal, Councilor Castelo cited how the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) found out the ill-fated bus is registered under Mt. Province Cable Tours owned by Norberto Que, Sr., its chassis and engine were tampered and not registered with the Land Transportation Office, and it was not authorized to operate as a public vehicle.

 

“According to the LTFRB, what the bus company committed [are] blatant multiple violations that cannot be tolerated because [they] puts people's lives in danger,” the proposed resolution read.

 

Castelo said the Quezon City government has the power to cancel business permits of establishments operating in the city.

G.V. Florida's main terminal is in Sampaloc, Manila but it also has a terminal along EDSA in Quezon City.

 

The bus company's counsel, lawyer Alex Versoza said he has yet to read the proposed resolution but “generally speaking, I cannot see any valid reason or ground why the accident could be a reason for the cancellation of business permit.”

 

“The permit is based on the rules and regulation of the city. Sa tingin ko, basta nagko-comply sa rules and regulation ng city ay walang problema. Yung problema sa labas ay ibang issue na po yun,” he told GMA News Online over the phone.

 

LTFRB is set to issue its decision on the case of G.V. Florida next week before a 30-day suspension of its fleet ends on March 9. — Amita Legaspi/JDS, GMA News