LTFRB regional office to construct new building

LTFRB Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon (left) briefs chairman Winston Ginez (center) and board member Ronald Corpuz on the region’s transport situation during the stakeholders forum. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 7) will soon have its own building in Cebu.

Outgoing LTFRB 7 chairman Winston Ginez said a P70-million budget to be taken from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) general appropriations budget for 2016 was approved.

“It (lot) was included in 2016 budget. When the Department of Budget and Management submitted the president’s budget to Congress, it (lot) was not included. It was during the final deliberation that we convinced the Speaker of the House and the Senate to include the budget of the lot,” Ginez said.

The outgoing LTFRB chairman said during the stakeholders meeting yesterday at the Waterfront Mactan the construction of the building is likely to begin next year.

Ginez said they also proposed a P90-million budget for the construction of the new building.

The LTFRB 7 has been renting an office space since 2005 at P63,000 per month along North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.

LTFRB 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said they are still looking for a lot where to construct the building.

Ginez, together with LTFRB Board Member Ronaldo Corpuz, were in Cebu yesterday to present their accomplishment report and to thank LTFRB employees and stakeholders.

Among their achievements in Cebu were the introduction of MyBus units and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS). Ginez said that there are now TNVS operators who file application in Cebu. TNVS are the partner operators of transportation network companies (TNCs) which include Grab and Uber.