LTFRB 7 begs for lot to build office

THE Land Transportation and Franchising Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) is thinking of transfering its office in Cebu City to a new location to stay away from fixers.

They are still looking for a suitable area.

“We are sharing the building with an insurance firm, a photocopying shop, and unfortunately, fixers,” lamented LTFRB-7 Regional Director . Ahmed Cuizon in the weekly 888 News Forum.

The agency is renting a building in the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.

“I cannot drive away these fixers since they are also renting office spaces in the same building,” he added.

The setup makes the agency susceptible to transactions with fixers who approach clients even before teh public can enter the LTFRB office, Cuizon said.

Cuizon sought the help of local government units and national government agencies who can possibly donate a lot where the LTFRB can put up a building.

“I have approached the Cebu City government but was told City Hall owned lots are already occupied except for the South Road Properties (SRP),” Cuizon said.

Even if the LTFRB is given a place in the SRP, Cuizon said it’s not the best area to build their office building since their clientele are public utility vehicles owners and drivers. City Hall’s commercial property is off limits to these public transporation conveyances.

Mandaue City would have been willing to give the spot where the fire station is located but another national government agency already reserved it.

The LTFRB’s request for a place in the NRA was also turned down by the Cebu Port Authority, he said.

Two sites were thought of but were dismissed due to concerns on traffic congestion.

The Capitol offered barangay Sudlon in Cebu City, but Cuizon said they couldn’t take it considering the traffic congestion in Dona Modesta Gaisano Street.

“Since our office is a traffic generator because PUVs will be following, our presence will aggravate existing traffic,” he added.

With this, the director said he is “hoping” there are government agencies willing to share their properties with LTFRB.

The LTFRB issues franchises or permits to operate public transportation vehicles and regulates their operations and sets fare rates. /Correspondent Jessa J. Agua