LTFRB junks Don Mariano plea on franchise cancellation

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has denied the appeal of Don Mariano Transit Corp. to lift the cancellation of the bus firm’s franchises following the fatal Skyway mishap in Parañaque last December.

The cancellation of the seven franchises of the bus company stays, said LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez.

Ginez, board member Ronald Corpuz and board executive director Roberto Cabrera III signed the order on Feb. 17.

Ginez said the LTFRB resolution was served on the bus company yesterday.

Last year, the board investigated the fatal accident involving a Don Mariano bus that fell off the Skyway and killed 21 people, including the driver.

The board said it found no reason to reverse an earlier decision canceling the bus firm’s franchises.

The LTFRB said there were many lapses and violations on the part of the bus company.

In its motion for reconsideration, the bus firm asked the board to set aside its Jan. 14 ruling that cancelled Don Mariano’s franchises covering 78 bus units.

No mass layoffs

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees no mass displacement of Don Mariano workers despite the LTFRB’s decision upholding the revocation of its franchises.

DOLE-National Capital Region director Alex Avila said that half of the bus firm’s 383 employees have been working for other bus firms.

Avila said a number of Don Mariano workers have decided to look for other jobs while others are seeking separation pay.

He said the bus company’s employees are considered temporarily laid off pending final decision on its motion for reconsideration. – With Mayern Jaymalin