Cuizon waiting for order, says LTFRB-7 doing its best

CEBU, Philippines - The regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board  in Region 7 is yet to know whether or not he will get to keep his post following the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to declare all appointive government positions vacant.

"So far, I do not have any directive from the head office," said LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon.

In a press conference dawn Sunday, Duterte cited again LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office, which have been on his list of most corrupt agencies. He even called out one LTFRB official whose name he could not remember to "come to me and see me in Malacañang."

Arnel Tancinco, former LTO-7 director, an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III, has already tendered his courtesy resignation last August 1. The agency is now headed by former assistant regional director Alita Pulga.

Cuizon, also an Aquino appointee, said that since he assumed the post some five months ago, he has not issued a single new franchise for PUVs covered by the moratorium such as buses, taxis, PUJs and GT Express.

"Our office has likewise intensified our campaign against colorum and other violations like out-of-line operations," he said.

He said that in accordance with the President's orders, LTFRB has shortened transaction time.

Further, in line with national directives, LTFRB-7 has put a stop to the sale and transfer of all franchises, regardless of the kind of public utility vehicle.

This is being done to avoid the commercialization of franchises, Cuizon said.

"We are tightly monitoring the individual performance of our personnel to ensure that they comply with office rules and regulations on punctuality, integrity and efficiency. Public funds should not be spent for the salaries of erring employees. Those who fail our standards are dealt with accordingly," Cuizon said further.

In the same Sunday presscon, the President said he continues to receive complaints about the agencies.

"If I go there everyday, I would not have time to be President and sit there and make crucial decisions for the country. So I will declare all the positions — there are the assistants. There's always a deputy or even the first clerk, they can take over until such time I decide whether I will dispose of you or not," he stressed.

"If I go there once, twice, and still I hear about complaints, and if you are a presidential appointee, meaning to say I appointed you or you were appointed by the previous president, but the appointing authority has the power to appoint and the power to dismiss, without any reason, except that loss of confidence in your ability to deliver your mandate," he added.

On Friday, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra announced the resignation of LTFRB XI Director Benjamin Go and the filing of retirement by LTFRB XI Administrative Officer Edgar Violan. This, after a spot audit conducted nationwide of all LTFRB transactions showed several case folders with alleged questionable franchise issuance, and which were brought to Manila for further investigation. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and InterAksyon (FREEMAN)