REINTEGRATION OF LTO, LTFRB NEEDED TO SOLVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION - SEN BONG REVILLA

SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. agreed in principle to the reintegration of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as their separation and hazy functions have resulted to rampant colorum buses plying along EDSA Avenue .

During a hearing of the committee on public services presided by Bong Revilla, senators questioned the officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), LTO and LTFRB on why more than 50 percent of buses are traveling without franchises.

Bong Revilla, who chairs the Committee, said that while the two agencies both function as facilitators of licenses and franchises, it is not clear who has the responsibility of monitoring whether the bus on the road has franchise or not.

In an interview with reporters, Bong Revilla said the DOTC should consider the reintegration of two agencies and ensure that one of its functions is to monitor colorum buses and other public utility vehicles and it should be given enforcement powers to apprehend those who violate franchise regulations.

"These agencies' functions do not start and end at the four corners of their offices. Their responsibilities start on public roads and their main function is to ensure the safety of passengers," he said, adding that the presence of colorum buses poses danger to the public.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile cited an example which the Eso Nice bus, which fell into the bottom of 150-foot deep ravine in Sablan, Benguet where 41 passengers were killed, had no road worthiness certificate.

Bong Revilla questioned how the bus was able to travel and pick up passengers when it lacked one requirement for franchise.

"This tragedy is a classic example of the two agencies' leniency and lack of coordination," Bong Revilla said.

The senator said the lack of coordination and leniency of both agencies resulted to high volume of buses on the EDSA, which causes tremendous traffic.

In addition, Bong Revilla also agreed with Senator Sergio Osmena III's suggestion that bus operators and owners should opt for salary system instead of boundary system.

"Bus drivers stop and overstay in one place to pick up passengers because their salary is based on how many passengers they will get. This system causes traffic congestion," he said.