LTFRB rejects Don Mariano Transit appeal on franchise cancellation

Don Mariano bus. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday dismissed the appeal of Don Mariano Transit to reverse its decision canceling the bus firm’s franchise after one of its bus fell from the Sykyway that  killed 21 people.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the revocation of the bus firm’s franchise is final.

The LTFRB in its seven-page ruling said the appeal was denied due to “lack of merit” and was not enough to reverse the decision canceling Don Mariano’s certificates of public convenience covering all its 78 bus units.

The LTFRB said there were many lapses and violations on the part of bus firm, citing that only six of the Don Mariano bus units passed the road worthiness inspection.

Ginez denied the claims of Don Mariano that they were not given due process.

He said the bus firm was given notice of hearing and enough time and chance to present their side.

After the tragic accident last Dec. 16, the LTFRB immediately imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on all of the bus firm’s units and revoked the franchise of Don Mariano on Jan. 14.

RELATED STORIES

Don Mariano drivers to undergo mandatory drug testing

Don Mariano bus crash victim recounts horror

TRB probes Don Mariano Transit bus accident