LTFRB: Passengers for Undas break to exceed pre-pandemic figures

MANILA, Philippines — The number of passengers during the long weekend will exceed the total volume of commuters before the pandemic as the commemoration of Undas will coincide with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) official said yesterday.

Undas refers to the observance of All Saints’ and Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.

In a radio interview, LTFRB technical working group chief Joel Bolano said the board has issued special permits to at least 774 provincial buses in anticipation of the expected exodus of commuters from Metro Manila.

He attributed the exodus to the lifting of the national emergency in the country, the return of pre-pandemic routes and the holding of the BSKE on Oct. 30.

“The LTFRB will closely monitor the volume of passengers. If these (774 units) are not enough, we can issue additional special permits if there are additional needs (for buses),” Bolano said.

Guadiz airs relief

Meanwhile, suspended LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III said yesterday he felt relieved after his former head executive assistant and whistle-blower cleared him of allegations of corruption.

“I have been protecting my name for 23 years and I am thankful that it has finally been cleared,” Guadiz said.

Jeffrey Gallos Tumbado, Guadiz’s former aide, has recanted his claim that at least P5 million was paid in exchange for the approval of franchise, securing routes and special permits, saying the corruption could reach Malacañang.

During a hearing of the House committee on transportation on Monday, Tumbado was cited in contempt and detained for 10 days for his failure to substantiate his allegations.

Lawmakers were irked after Tumbado failed to provide definite answers as to the basis of both his allegations and the recantation.

Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta described Tumbado’s behavior as “disrespectful,” stressing to him that the hearing “is not a joke.”

Seven major transport groups have backed the reinstatement of Guadiz in the LTFRB.