LTFRB readies notices vs bus firms on ‘holiday’

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is readying the filing of notices to bus operators who participated in Monday’s bus strike to protest against a number-coding scheme. The LTFRB said it is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in determining the bus firms that joined the strike. “Padadalhan namin ng notice yan to explain, magkakaroon ng due process at hearing (We will send them notices to explain their action. They will be given due process and a hearing)," LTFRB Chairman Nelson Laluces said in an interview on dzBB radio. Last weekend, the MMDA warned bus operators who planned to take part in the strike that they may lose their franchises. On Monday, the MMDA started implementing a number-coding scheme where buses were barred from plying Metro Manila’s main roads depending on the last digit of their license plates. However, many commuters were stranded on Monday when bus operators opposing the scheme staged a strike, refusing to accommodate passengers. Laluces said his office is now coordinating with the MMDA in tracking down the bus operators. “Gagawin namin diyan, mino-monitor namin ang apparently nag-participate sa strike (We are monitoring those who are participating in the strike)," he said. – VVP, GMANews.TV