LTFRB learns of Florida bus firm's multiple violations only after crash in Bontoc

The GV Florida bus unit that crashed Friday in Bontoc, Mountain Province had no franchise and used the plate number of a different bus, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Monday as it admitted that it knew of the violations only last Sunday.

 

In a report aired in GMA's early evening news program "24 Oras", the LTFRB also said among the violations of GV Florida was using a plate number of another  bus unit from the company, Mt. Province Cable Tours. The bus crash claimed the lives of at least 15 people including comedian and social activist Arvin "Tado" Jimenez.

 

"Ang talagang may franchise dito sa ruta ng Manila via Bontoc to Sagada ay ang Mt. Province Cable Tours owned by Norberto Que Sr., sila po ang talagang otorisado," said LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez in a phone patch interview with GMA News QRT Quick Response Team.

 

Ginez said  it was only on Sunday that the LTFRB  learned that Que sold the 10 bus units to GV Florida and that GV Florida began operating these bus units without informing the LTFRB.

 

"Nalaman lamang po natin nung Linggo ng umaga nung nag-inspeksyon tayo at nangumpiska ng mga bus nila (Mt. Province Cable Tours) , noon lamang pinakita ng kanilang mga abogado na nagkabentahan na pala sila Mr. Khea dahil phased out na ang kanyang mga unit, ibinenta niya sa GV Florida," said Ginez.

 

"Personal na transaksyon ito... pero alam naman ng GV Florida kung ano ang dapat gawin, which is to apply for a sale and transfer (of franchise) with the LTFRB and should not use the said franchise until and unless nagkaroon na ng written approval ang ating Board dito," he added.

 

The legal counsel of GV Florida Atty. Alex Versoza earlier admitted operating the buses of Mt. Province Cable Tours  even without franchise, saying that they just want to cater to the needs of the public commuters.

 

"Tinakbohan yun (Manila-Bontoc route)  to meet the public need at para ma-preempt yung possible consequence of abandonment of route that will lead to the cancellation of the franchise. E kapag nacancel yung franchise ni Mr. Que, e wala ng mapupunta sa Florida," Versoza  said.  

 

Versoza also pointed out that the franchise extension filed by Mt. Province Cable Tours is still pending before the LTFRB.

 

He said renewed franchise of Mt. Province Cable Tours is needed by GV Florida in order for them to file a "sale and transfer of franchise" before the LTFRB.

 

Ginez however did not buy the reasoning of Versoza.

 

 "Inamin na ng abugado ng GV Florida, ang sabi niya ay alam nila na ito (operating without franchise) ay labag sa batas at ito ay ginawa lang daw nila para daw matugunan yung demand ng mga pasahero . Ang tanong ko po sakanila, does the end justify the means? Ibabaliwala nalang po ba natin ang rules and regulations ng ating gobyerno para lamang kumita ang pribadong kumpanya?," Ginez said.

 

In earlier reports the LTFRB, also noted that the chassis and engine numbers of  the ill-fated bus were tampered.

 

On Saturday, the LTFRB imposed a 30-day suspension against GV Florida  and barred all its buses from running. On Monday the LTFRB confiscated the plate numbers of more than 50 of Florida buses. But Ginez said heavier penalties may be imposed against the company, such as possible filing of charges and revocation of franchise, if found at fault.

 

"Ito po ay preventive suspension pa lamang...pero pagkatapos po ng masusing imbestigasyon at pag-conduct ng hearing, kapag napakinggan na natin sila, dun natin malalaman kung ano ang ating ipapataw na penalty. May mga proseso po ang lahat ng ito," Ginez said.  — Elizabeth Marcelo/ELR, GMA News