LTFRB told: Let MMDA have say on PUV franchises

To prevent clogging Metro Manila's major roads with unnecessary or abusive public utility vehicles, Metro Manila mayors want the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to have a say in the review and approval of applications for franchises of public utility vehicles (PUVs). In a resolution, the mayors in the Metro Manila Council (MMC) — the MMDA's policy-making body — sought a seat in the Road Measurement Capacity (RMC) Group, the body that determines the need for new franchises in certain routes. The RMC is under the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB). "The mayors should be involved in the decision-making process when it comes to giving out franchises to transport operators. They know the situation on the ground. They know the capacities of local road networks and they would know if there is a need to have more PUV units passing through their jurisdiction," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said in an article posted on the MMDA website. He added this proposed system would ensure only legitimate PUV operators, especially bus companies, and those with clean records will get to operate franchises. As early as 2007, the MMDA has been requesting the LTFRB to require PUV operators to secure clearances from the MMDA and permits from the concerned cities before applying for a franchise to operate. Tolentino said the LTFRB had been granting new franchises over the years without consulting the cities concerned. Without accurate information from the concerned localities, the number of PUVs plying the major and secondary roads just keeps on increasing every year. Renewal of franchises Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro suggested that any application for new or renewal of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) within the National Capital Region should have the endorsement of the MMC. CPCs are the legal term for secondary franchises granted to PUV operators. He said that with the MMC, the LTFRB's system of granting CPCs to PUV operators would be streamlined with the primary objective of reducing traffic congestion. Tolentino also cited Republic Act 7924, the MMDA charter, which mandates the agency "to manage transport and traffic in Metro Manila, which includes the formulation, coordination, and monitoring of policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize the existing transport operations." On the other hand, he said cities and municipalities are also empowered by the Local Government Code to regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, and other public places, and regulate garages and the operation of conveyances for hire. During the MMDA's traffic summit last Dec. 3, Tolentino proposed the amendment of Executive Order 202, the LTFRB mandate, to require PUV operators to seek clearance from the MMDA and their respective local government units before applying for CPCs. — MRT/VS, GMANews.TV