Friday, April 18, 2008 Gamboa, Clavel agree on moratorium vs issuance of franchise
CITY Council transportation committee chair Wilson Gamboa Jr. and Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Porfirio Clavel have agreed to ink a pact ordering a moratorium on the issuance of franchises or Certificate of Public Conveyance to new applicants in Bacolod.
The consensus was lauded by the transport sector although most of them expressed reservations towards Clavel, whom they alleged as the chief culprit in the rampant issuance of new franchises in the city after it was supposedly halted in 2002.
In Thursday's public hearing, the different transport groups in the city presented complaints, documents, and testimonies alleging that the LTFRB regional office has been behind the rampant issuance of illegal and new franchises in the city and the province.
But Clavel denied allegations that his office has been involved in issuing fake or double franchises.
"That is not true. But to give them the benefit of the doubt, just give me time to verify the complaints, list of alleged fake franchises and other documents presented in this hearing, and immediately, I will give my decision," he said.
Towards the end of the public hearing and despite the unresolved complaints and sentiments of the transport groups, Clavel said he is open to entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the city of Bacolod to declare a moratorium on the issuance of new franchises.
"I am willing to ink a MOA just for the purpose of easing the conflicts, and giving time to all of us to check on all the complaints and lists of fake franchises lodged at our office," Clavel said. (Karl G. Ombion)
