Transport groups are seeking to stop state-owned Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) from operating tollroads and collecting toll fees.
At the sidelines of the recently concluded Transport Summit, 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the group will file a petition for injunction that asks for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the tollway operator and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) next week.
In a meeting held Friday afternoon the petitioners decided that they would file the petition next week, although the exact date is yet to be set. The petitioners include Provincial Buses Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Metro Bus Operator Association (MBOA) and Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO).
“It’s [PNCC’s operations using a temporary permit] a mere circumvension of the issue of congressional franchise. What they cannot do directly, they are now doing indirectly,” Mr. Mendoza told BusinessWorld.
“We also want to enjoin the TRB from appointing PNCC to proceed with the collection of toll fees without the franchise,” he added.
Mr. Mendoza said the group is encouraging a congressional hearing on the matter to determine if the PNCC is indeed fit to operate the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).
“We want to get the best operator. There are other [parties interestd in running] the toll road. All we want is to get the best party to run it at the cheapest price. If they can prove they are the best, why not?,” said Mr. Mendoza.