MANILA, Philippines – Their franchise cancelled, the 77 buses of Don Mariano Bus Transit may soon be back on the road.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez said on Wednesday, January 15, the company owners can opt to sell the buses. The new owners will then have to subject the buses to a check with LTFRB whether they are fit for public transportation.

Buses that are 15 years old or older are automatically banned from being used a public utility vehicles.

The cancellation of a franchise does not mean the registration of the vehicles are revoked as well. Don Mariano’s franchise was cancelled on Tuesday for failing to follow the terms and conditions of its permit, and failing to maintain safety standards.

Late last year, a Don Mariano bus skidded off an elevated skyway and fell on top of a van, killing at least 18. The bus driver died days later, on Christmas eve.

“If the new owner, after our evaluation, will be capable to maintain the buses and make these units roadworthy, then they will be allowed,” said Ginez.

Ginez said Don Mariano has several buses that are relatively new – produced in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Adding Don Mariano’s older buses to other franchises’ fleets is also out of the question, since the LTFRB has suspended the issuance of new franchises.

“P’wedeng ipagpalit sa ibang mga bus ng ibang mga bus companies. Titingnan namin kung sino ang magiging bagong may-ari nito ay may sapat na kapasidad financially and physically, yung kanilang mga garahe at equipment para ma-maintain ng maayos,” said Ginez.

([Don Mariano’s] buses can be used as replacements for the older buses of other companies. We will check those companies to see if they have the capacity to properly maintain the buses.)

Employees, sister companies

Ginez does not believe laims that the bus company is now unable to give compensation to the victims of the accident because of the cancellation of Don Mariano’s franchise. It has sister companies.

Don Mariano owner Melissa Lim owns 5 other bus companies – Femina Express, Mencorp, Commuters, Nova Auto Transport, and Roval Transport. Any of those companies can opt to buy or absorb Don Mariano buses, as long as they only do so to replace older buses.

“Buhay ang kanilang kumpanya at meron silang ari-arian na p’wedeng gamiting pambayad sa kanilang mga biktima,” said Ginez. (Their company is still up and running, and they have properties that can be used to pay their victims.)

Meanwhile, the drivers, conductors, and other employees of Don Mariano plan on asking the LTFRB to reconsider the cancellation of the franchise. The bus owners, said Ginez, can always appeal the cancellation before the Department of Transportation and Communications. Former employees, said Ginez, can freely apply for jobs in other bus companies as well.

The LTFRB is currently conducting a review of all bus companies with pending cases. The cancellation or revocation of franchises may be imposed, depending on the gravity or frequency of accidents connected to the bus companies.

“Itong aming desisyon sa Don Mariano ay talagang… we mean business. Talagang magiging strikto tayo sa pagdedesisyon ng mga ganitong aksidente,” added the chairman. (Our decision is a sign that we mean business. We will be strict in making decisions on these accidents.) – Rappler.com