THE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) denied any participation in the alleged approval of new franchises of the Genesis Bus Line in Baguio City.
DOTC Regional Director Federico Mandapat Jr. said the DOTC-CAR did not approve any new franchises because there is a moratorium on approval of new franchises.
He said the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) central office was the one that approved the Genesis franchises.
“The LTFRB violated its own memorandum circular,” Mandapat said. He said Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. has communicated with the DOTC regarding the application of the bus line to expand its loading area.
Mandapat said the bus line operates inter-regionally so it can apply for approval of its new franchises at the central office.
In a text message, Bautista said: “We have an ordinance that no more franchises will be honored by the city.”
He said the city doesn’t need more buses. “Plus they don’t have [their own] terminal.” (Visha Calventas)