MAY 21, 2012 DATE

NR # 2746
REF. NO.

Solons want to investigate abusive bus operators

Lawmakers today called for a congressional probe into the violations and abuses committed by bus operators who took advantage of the shortage of buses and other means of transportation during the Holy Week and holidays to the detriment of the traveling public. Ako Bicol party-list Reps. Christopher Co, Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin, Jr. together with Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes) urged the House Committees on Transportation and Bicol Recovery and Economic Development through House Resolution 2324 to probe into these reported incidents to safeguard public interest. Co said these acts not only violate the public utility and transportation laws but also risk the lives and safety of the riding public. The public cannot afford to be misled by the false advertisement of a comfortable, safe and executive-class service of these bus liners, Co said. Batocabe said the annual deluge of passengers to and from Metro Manila and the provinces took place during the Lenten season, holidays, fiestas and vacation season. Batocabe cited an article which was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on April 8, 2012, entitled A Bicol trip turned sour: Greedy bus firms made a killing on hapless passengers. This featured the dreadful experience of a group of people with a local bus company in their travel to Bicol from Manila for the Holy Week, Batocabe said. Garbin said despite preparations and inspection tours conducted by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of various bus stations in preparation for the Holy Week rush, there have been reported incidents of violations and abuses of bus operators. Sarmiento said public utility buses are the primary means of transportation to and from the provinces and tourist destinations in Luzon but the problem of this public inconvenience and the number of violations is frequent during the holidays, fiestas and vacation seasons when the multitude of passengers exceed the number of buses and other means of public transport. These acts not only violate the public utility and transportation laws but also risk the lives and safety of the riding public, Sarmiento said. Sarmiento said public utility transportation is among the government-regulated industries as they serve the general welfare and well-being of the public and there is a need to look into these reported incidents of violations. (30) lvc