MANILA -- In succeeding to make the transportation systems in the country at par with global standards, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must provide accessible, affordable, comfortable and safe transportation to Filipinos, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Monday, 04 July 2022.

Secretary Bautista stressed that these key issues will be the cornerstone of the programs of the DOTr, while underscoring that ease of doing business and eliminating bureaucracy are practical areas to adopt these values.

“To all LTFRB personnel—memorize these values: accessibility, affordability, comfort and safety. These will be the cornerstone of all programs of agencies under the DOTr,” Secretary Bautista said during the turnover of leadership between outgoing Chairman Martin Delgra III and Chairman Atty. Cheloy Garafil.

“One practical area to adopt these values is how LTFRB promotes ease of doing business, how you can reduce red tape, how you can shorten processes so that public utility drivers and operators can quickly avail of your services,” he added.

Being at the frontlines of the transport service sector, Secretary Bautista expressed his confidence that the LTFRB can hurdle the issues surrounding the sector.

“With critical transport issues mounting every day, we will be under close scrutiny if you can provide immediate solutions. And LTFRB, among others, is at the frontline of providing the solutions,” he explained.

“I draw much confidence we will succeed knowing there are many dedicated and committed personnel at the LTFRB,” he added.

Secretary Bautista then challenged Chairman Garafil in focusing on helping alleviate the problems of the land transport sector by focusing on the cries of its stakeholders, most especially the riding public.

“I challenge Atty. Garafil and everybody here today to give focus on the task at hand – help the riding public. Their cries are getting louder by the day,” he said.

Chairman Garafil, on the other hand, cited President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s instructions to her as she takes over the helm of the agency to focus on three issues such as the streamlining of processes at the LTFRB, providing immediate aid to drivers and operators, and always focus on passenger and commuter policies.

“Tatlo lamang ang utos sa atin ng Pangulo para sa ating ahensiya. Padaliin ang proseso sa LTFRB, siguraduhin ang agarang pagbibigay sa ating mga driver ng anumang tulong na ibibigay sa kanila, at isaalang-alang palagi ang kapakanan ng mga mananakay,” Chairman Garafil said.

“There is much work to be done and I must admit this is truly not for the weak of heart. Alam ko po ang bigat ng responsibilidad ng LTFRB lalo na ngayong nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya,” she added. (DOTr)