LTFRB revokes 2 bus firms’ franchises

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has revoked the franchises of bus firms Elena Liner and MGP Trans following a fatal accident in November last year along EDSA.

The order covers 21 Elena Liner buses and 18 MGP buses.

“While we recognized the financial effect on the part of the employees of the two bus companies, the rule of law must prevail above all; the safety of the riding public is the paramount and primordial consideration of the board,” LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

The two bus companies figured in a fatal road accident on Nov. 14, 2013, resulting in the death of seven people and injuries to more than 30 passengers.

An Elena Liner bus rear-ended an MGP bus at the EDSA-Magallanes southbound bus bay. 

As a result of the accident, the board issued a preventive suspension on Elena Liner and MGP Trans.

Both operators filed motions for the partial lifting of their suspension and questioned why their franchises should be suspended and revoked. Their appeals were denied.

The brakes failed in the Elena Liner bus involved in the accident while the MGP Trans bus did not have a permit.

The board said Elena Liner failed to observe extra diligence since it did not check the unit's roadworthiness before dispatching it.

As for MGP Trans, the board said dispatching a bus without a permit puts the lives of its passengers in danger.