Delgra reiterates his role as LTFRB’s official spokesperson

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Martin Delgra III reiterated his appeal to the media on Thursday to get information only from him to avoid confusion.

Delgra cited a circular from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) designating the head of its agencies as the department’s spokespersons.

“Even as early as February (2018), based on the media affair protocol coming from the DOTr Communications Office and which was approved by Secretary (Arturo) Tugade […] iyong head ng line agencies would be the talking heads for purposes of consistency, clarity, and coordination,” he told reporters at LTFRB’s headquarters.

“That media protocol was likewise reiterated in a memorandum from the secretary to all line agencies […] all heads of agencies would be the default spokesperson,” he added.

On Wednesday, an unsigned document on the P2 fare hike for jeepneys and P1 increase for city buses was leaked to the media. A source privy to LTFRB’s activities told INQUIRER.net that it was Board Member Aileen Lizada who released the document, which has yet to be docketed.

The fare hike was approved on Thursday morning, setting the minimum fare at P10 for jeepneys, P11 for ordinary buses, and P13 for air-conditioned buses.

READ: LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase 

READ: LTFRB approves P1 fare hike on bus

Delgra also answered questions if Lizada, the agency’s former spokesperson, has been disallowed from making statements, including her dissenting opinion about the fare hikes.

He said Lizada’s dissenting opinion still falls under his responsibility as LTFRB spokesperson.

“As head of this agency I am responsible for any decision that comes out, and that includes the dissenting opinion,” he explained.

In a Senate hearing last October 8, Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, asked LTFRB to reinstate Lizada as a spokesperson to facilitate the provision of updates on important issues.

Delgra replied by saying that they will discuss the matter. /ee

READ: Poe wants Lizada back as LTFRB spokesperson