LTFRB denies Don Mariano’s bid to resume operations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board thumbed down Tuesday a bid by Don Mariano Transit Corp. to resume its operations following last month's deadly accident on the Skyway.

LTFRB Executive Director Atty. Roberto Cabrera III said the agency's board met on the matter Monday and decided to deny the firm's petition, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

"Denied," the PNA quoted Cabrera as saying when asked about the LTFRB's decision on the bus firm's request to resume operations.

Last month, the LTFRB preventively suspended Don Mariano's 78-unit fleet for 30 days following the December 16 incident in which one of the firm's buses flew off the Skyway and crashed onto  the service road below, killing 18 people.

The bus driver succumbed to his injuries seven days later.

On the other hand, the PNA quoted Cabrera as saying LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez will issue a decision on the case.

”We will resolve the case before January 16, the lapse of the 30-day preventive suspension,” he said. — BM, GMA News