LTO to file complaint vs Florida Transport

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to file a complaint within the week against G.V. Florida Transport Inc. for committing multiple violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Based on initial findings, the Florida bus that figured in the Bontoc, Mountain Province road accident last Friday was not registered with the LTO. The ill-fated bus also used an old plate number of a phased-out vehicle. Speaking to ANC on Tuesday, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez said the bus firm is in danger of having its license revoked after transport officials uncovered a slew of violations committed by the company. These include operating a bus using the franchise of Mt. Province Cable Tours without the authorization for sale and transfer from the LTFRB. "Inamin nga din po ng abogado ng G.V. Florida that even knowing that without the approval of the LTFRB, he reasoned out that it was because they had to fulfill the demands of the public, they plied the road without approval of LTFRB. So my question when he will appear before our hearing on February 19: Does the end justify the means?" Ginez said. The LTFRB has suspended the entire fleet of Florida Transport for 30 days and required its units to undergo road worthiness inspections at the LTO. Meanwhile, Ginez insisted that the bus company must face up to its obligations to the victims of last week's deadly bus crash. He noted that just last week, bus companies had been required to put P30 million in escrow with accredited banks for passenger accident liability insurance. He said the LTFRB is now coordinating with insurance agencies and the Insurance Commission about the compensation for the victims' families even though the bus was colorum. "The victims should not suffer from the misjudgment or the illegal activities of the buses," Ginez said. The LTFRB, meanwhile, is also eyeing a yearly accreditation of bus drivers and a meeting with public utility vehicle (PUV) owners about a database of drivers. -- Report from ANC