LTFRB urged to include MMDA in franchise application

By Mike Frialde (The Philippine Star) Updated December 16, 2010 

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday passed a resolution asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow the MMDA and the 17 local government units of Metro Manila to have a say in the review and approval of applications for franchises of public transport companies.

The MMC is composed of the 17 mayors of Metro Manila and MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.

According to Tolentino, the MMC specifically urged the LTFRB’s parent agency, the Department of Transportation and Communication, to let the MMC sit in the road measurement capacity group of the LTFRB which is tasked to approve new franchises. “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,” Tolentino said.

As early as 2007, the MMDA has been requesting the LTFRB to require operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to secure clearance from the MMDA and permit from the concerned LGUs before applying for a franchise to operate. Tolentino said the LTFRB has been issuing new franchises over the years without consulting the concerned LGU. Without proper consultation, Tolentino said there has been a yearly increase in the number of PUVs plying the major and secondary roads.

According to the MMDA, any application for new or renewal of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) within Metro Manila should have the endorsement of the MMC.