Transport groups appall on ‘no show’ of LTFRB-6 director at dialogue

“DISMAYED.”

This was how the local transport group members felt after Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) - Western Visayas Director Richard Osmeña did not show up in their supposed dialogue at Santa Fe Chapel in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City yesterday, March 22.

Diego Malacad, secretary general of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (Undoc), said they agreed to call off their supposed two-day strike that started on Monday, March 21, on the premise that Osmeña will face them to hear their plights.

But Osmeña, instead, sent his representatives that could not even give them specific answers on their concerns, Malacad said, adding that they felt they were “duped.”

The regional director sent planning officer Engineer Joshua Gaquit, communication development officer Jessa Mae Jabian, project evaluation officers Rochele Mae Amar, Geronimo Dalipe and Engineer Venus Deanon, Pastor Alcover II.

Osmeña, in an interview, said that he was only informed about the dialogue Monday night and he already had a prior commitment in Capiz that cannot be cancelled.

The dialogue was facilitated by Abang Linkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano and Bacolod Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya.

Among the concerns of the transport sector included the release of the P6,500 fuel subsidy.

Elizabeth Katalbas, president of the Federation of Bacolod Drivers Association (Febacda), said they are asking the LTFRB to temporarily stop the distribution of fuel subsidy until such time the agency has corrected their records.

Katalbas said there were instances wherein the original owner of a public utility vehicle (PUV) is the one receiving the subsidy instead of the new operator because the records of the LTFRB have not been corrected.

For her part, Lilian Cabansag, president of Sentrong Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Negros (Sstone), they are expecting that the LTFRB will honor the lists of the transport associations and federations so that the drivers will receive the fuel subsidy from the national government.

Despite their disappointment with the LTFRB, the transport group leaders also expressed their gratitude to Gasataya and Paduano for facilitating the dialogue with the LTFRB.

Gaquit assured the transport group leaders that he will relay their concerns to the regional office so that it will be addressed immediately.

In reply, Gasataya said they are thankful with the agency and they will wait for the decision of Osmeña since the main concern of the transport group leaders is for the legitimate drivers to benefit from the fuel subsidy.

Another dialogue is scheduled on Monday, March 28, between LTFRB - Western Visayas and the local transport groups.* (MAP)