MMDA suspends 2 towing firms for violations

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino on Thursday suspended the operations of two tow truck companies for various offenses.

Tolentino ordered the three month suspension against BNW Towing Services, which faced a complaint by  Jayross Lucky Seven Tours Bus Co. Inc. for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.

The bus firm alleged that a unit (UVF 927), stalled in front of Gold Condominium along Kamias Road in Quezon City due to engine failure, was immediately clamped to the tow truck of BNW Towing services.

While being the towed, the tow truck driver miscalculated Kamias’ flyover’s height clearance causing the bus's roof to hit the underside of the bridge. The insurance company of Jayross refused to pay the damage.

"We will never tolerate any acts of abuse from all the accredited tow truck companies.  We are constantly monitoring their operations for the protection of the public,"Tolentino said.

The MMDA also suspended the operations of Haplos Towing Services for a month following a complaint of a  truck operator Marissa Paz of Valenzuela City.

Paz alleged that her Toyota Dyna truck (WPH-307) was forcibly towed by Haplos Towing Services using a seatbelt instead of a tow bar while the vehicle was being pushed by her employees.

Tolentino said that  Haplos Towing Services failed to follow the proper towing procedures under the MMDA Guidelines on Towing. 

"All the tow trucks of these companies are restricted within the confines of their garage facilities during the period covered by the suspension orders," he added.