Ex-Rizal mayor charged with usurpation of LTFRB authority  

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed a criminal case against former Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Pedro Cuerpo for allegedly issuing permits allowing some vehicle owners to operate as public utility service providers during his term in 2006.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) chairman Efren De Luna before the Ombudsman in 2007.

In a complaint filed before the Sandiganbayan on January 8, a copy of which was released to the media only on Wednesday, the Ombudsman, through the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), charged Cuerpo with usurpation of official functions or violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

The complaint alleged that on October 4, 2006, Cuerpo issued temporary permits to operate (TPO) and/or franchise to some private vehicle owners for them to function as public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The Special Prosecutor pointed out that only the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has the sole authority to grant PUV permits, thus Cuerpo’s act is tantamount to usurpation of official functions. The OSP recommended a P10,000 bail for Cuerpo’s temporary liberty.

“Indeed, respondent’s act prejudiced transport operators who operate under an LTFRB franchise. As public utility operators, they were imposed not only the requisite fees but with the legal responsibilities attached to the issuance of the Certificates of Public Convenience,” a 2008 Ombudsman resolution finding probable cause to charge Cuerpo read.

“On the other hand, those granted with TOP operate without the same concurrent legal responsibilities,” the resolution added.

The resolution was attached to the filed case before the Sandiganbayan.

GMA News Online tried to contact Cuerpo, but the former mayor could not be reached as of posting time. — APG, GMA News