The Philippine Online Chronicles

Newly appointed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Jaime Jacob told media today that he will go after colorum buses, jeeps and taxis.

"Ang malaki dito na violation ay ang operation ng colorum na mga sasakyan. Magbubuo kami ng task force," he said in an interview with dzMM.

The former Presidential Anti-Graft Commissioner said these are the main causes of accidents, corruption and irresponsible drivers and that he has already drafted a memorandum of agreement with the Land Transportation Office, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), LTFRB, and Department of Justice (DOJ) to create the inter-agency task force that will impound, prosecute and suspend colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs).

“The MOA would include an impounding facility which has long been a major issue with law enforcers who apprehend colorum vehicles, and other legitimate vehicles found violating their franchise, but have no area to put these once arrests are made,” he said.

He added, “We plan to set up the impounding facilities nationwide, eyeing to establish them within PNP camps in various regions, including in Metro Manila. We will discuss this initiative with the PNP to make the necessary logistics arrangement.”

Jacob, a lawyer and also former chairman of the Philippine National Railways, will replace nelson Laluces who tendered his courtesy resignation last August 23. Jacob was also a former congressman of the second district of Camarines Sur and colleague of President Benigno Aquino III in the Liberal Party. He run for another congressional term last year but lost to Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte.

Jacob was recommended by Department on Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

DOTC said the new chairman will “help shepherd much-needed reforms through the biggest department in the executive branch,” especially with his extensive work with the human rights legal team Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).

While public officials lauded Jacob’s appointment, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations president Edren de Luna said they do not welcome the appointment because of Jacob’s lack of background in dealing with transport groups. He added that they would have to start anew in terms of confidence building with the official.

However, the new chairman said he is prepared to talk to bus and jeepney operators to help solve the transportation problems in the country.

Jacob said he has already submitted a six-point agenda to Roxas but refused to divulge the details until it has been discussed and studied.