2,000 taxi units to lose franchise

CEBU, Philippines – Some 2,000 taxi units operating in Metro Cebu may soon lose their franchise.

This after the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board learned that several taxi operators were able to get franchises for their taxi units by submitting fake documents. These "illegally-issued" franchises were reportedly issued since 2003 to the present. 

Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he will strongly support the campaign launched by LTFRB-7 director Benjamin Go if proven that these illegal activities really exist.

Go said the concerned taxi operators shall be given due process. "That's what I'm planning to do. After investigation, they will be summoned to a hearing."

According to Rama, the LTFRB director should show to the public that he is really serious in his drive to weed out the undesirable personnel from their office. The mayor added that former LTFRB officials had also made the same announcement but failed to translate it into action.

When the LTFRB-Manila suspended the granting of taxi franchises in 2003, there were only about 4,000 taxi units in Metro Cebu. The number has now gone up to 6,000 taxi units.

Go brushed aside allegations that he launched the campaign against the illegally-issued franchises for personal interest, saying he is really serious in his cause.

Go told The FREEMAN he will send another letter request to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to ask Secretary Jose de Jesus to conduct an audit of all issued taxi franchises in Metro Cebu.

The LTFRB-7 director said he could not seek the assistance of some of his lawyers here because they will also be included in the investigation.

Richard Cabucos, president of the Metro Cebu Taxi Operators Associations (MCTOA), said they support Go's campaign to clean the LTFRB office of corrupt personnel. (FREEMAN)