MMDA 'blacklists' 7 private towing firms

MMDA 'blacklists' 7 private towing firms At least seven of 20 towing firms operating in Metro Manila's main thoroughfares have been blacklisted due to complaints about their alleged abuses and violations of towing guidelines. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said 13 other firms will get temporary operating permits while their operations undergo evaluation, although only seven got their permits as of late Tuesday. "As of now, all previous accreditations are hereby cancelled. You will be given temporary accreditation, which is good for one month, pending a review of your records and performances," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino told towing operators during a meeting at the MMDA office in Makati City Tuesday morning, according to the MMDA website. Denied accreditation were:

• NJP Towing Services based in Pasig City;
• JGFC Towing Services in Project 6, Quezon City;
• Lard Towing Services, Edsa-Cubao, Quezon City;
• JEARLM Towing Services, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City;
• Road Eye Towing Services in Novaliches, Quezon City;
• CD3 Monde Towing Services, San Juan, Taytay; and
• Mac & Paul Towing Services in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

According to the MMDA, the blacklisting of the seven firms stemmed from complaints by bus operators, on their allegedly abusive practices. The towing firms had been previously authorized to operate along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and other major thoroughfares. Under MMDA Ordinance No. 78-03, only towing companies accredited by the MMDA are allowed to operate along major thoroughfares. Tolentino advised the owners of the seven towing firms who were denied the one-month temporary accreditation to show good basis for their re-accreditation. Earlier, Tolentino summoned the 20 towing firms and the various bus companies to put a stop to the illegal practices of these towing services, such as exorbitant fees being charged to towed or impounded buses and private vehicles. (See: MMDA to go after erring towing agencies – report) Bus operators complained they are being made to pay P4,500 in towing fees wherein the legal rate is only P1,200. The seven towing companies were also found to be using satellite impounding areas not authorized by the MMDA. Tolentino said towed or impounded vehicles should only be deposited at Ultra I and II in Pasig City. According to Tolentino, the cancellation of all previous accreditations is part of the MMDA's effort to streamline the operation of towing services in Metro Manila. "We have been hearing many complaints against these abusive towing companies so this is now the time to check on how they do their business," he said. He assured the agency will now be very strict in issuing new accreditations to towing companies.—JV, GMANews.TV