INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – It may not be the end of the road for the 77 buses of Don Mariano Transport Corp. even after its entire fleet’s franchise was canceled over a freak flyover accident.
But their way back to the streets may not be that easy, an official said Thursday.
This is because the agency has imposed a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses, even though Don Mariano’s buses may be sold to other companies, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Winston Ginez in an interview at Inquirer Radio 990 AM.
“Our policy is that since there is an ongoing moratorium right now, any other bus companies or even sister companies cannot just add or absorb these buses,” Ginez said.
“They have a maximum number of authorized units under their present franchises right now,” he added.
Ginez noted that while Don Mariano’s buses may be for sale, these may only be used as replacement vehicles.
The use of Don Mariano’s buses will also require the approval of the LTFRB, he added.
“If ever Don Mariano would decide to impose or sell these, these can only be used as replacement which will require LTFRB approval,” Ginez said.
On December 16 last year, a Don Mariano bus fell off the elevated Skyway and crashed onto a van below. The accident killed 21 people, including the driver, and injured 24 others.
The ill-fated passenger bus was said to have worn out tires when it skidded on the Skyway that was wet with rain.
Ginez earlier said it was the first time in the agency’s 27 year history to revoke the franchise of a bus company’s entire fleet.
The LTFRB chair insisted that Don Mariano would still have to pay the insurance of the victims’ families despite the cancellation of its franchise.
“It’s still an existing corporation. They still have assets that they can use to pay off the victims,” Ginez said.
He added that the LTFRB only has mandate over insurance claims. The court would have the authority to decide on civil damages, Ginez said.
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