Poe wants Lizada back as LTFRB spokesperson

Sen. Grace Poe. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON

Senator Grace Poe has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reinstate board member Aileen Lizada as the agency’s spokesperson.

Poe made the request during Monday’s continuation of the Senate committee on public services’ hearing on the proposed public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. Poe is the chairperson of the Senate panel.

“Marami na kayong inaasikaso (You have too much on your plate). Kailangan namin ng isang tao na magbibigay sa amin ng update (We need someone who can give us update). Ibalik nyo na si (Bring back) Atty. Lizada,” said Poe, who was apparently making a request to LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra, who was present in the hearing.

And to Lizada, who also attended the hearing, Poe said: “Sana naman bumalik na kayo as spokesperson (I hope you come back as spokesperson).”

Responding to the senator’s request, Delgra said they have yet to discuss the matter.

“Ah bakit (Why)?” Poe asked.

The senator went on, and reiterated her appeal, saying if the LTRFB chair has good faith, he would appoint a spokesperson who would listen to the sentiments of the people.

But for Efren de Luna, chair of Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), Lizada should be appointed not just as spokesperson but as chair of the LTRFB.

“Ang minumungkahi po ng transport, gawin na lang natin syang chairman (What the transport sector is suggesting is to make [Lizada] the chairman [of LTFRB]),” De Luna said.

“Sa’yo nanggaling ‘yan, hindi sa akin (That came from you, not from me),” Poe said.

The senator then asked the resource persons to give Delgra a chance but stressed that, “We just need somebody to communicate.”

“Kasi (Because) if we don’t know what’s going on inside, we’re highly suspicious. ‘Yun lang naman ‘yun (That’s just it),” Poe added. /kga