CEBU CITY - The newly-installed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director for Central Visayas Benjamin Go has vowed to improve the agency's services after the agency had been the center of several protests regarding the issuance of new taxi franchises. It can be recalled that the Metro Cebu Taxi Operators Association (MCTOA) held protest actions against the issuance of new taxi franchises because of an existing memorandum circular suspending the issuance of new franchises. However, despite the memorandum, the MCTOA alleged that the agency has continued to issue new franchises because some LTFRB 7 officials irregularities. The supposed 5,000 taxi units operating in Cebu now reaches more than 6,000 which allegedly affect the income of the drivers. Meanwhile, Go in an interview disclosed that he will study and review all the current policies being implemented in the region to check its status. Go also added that during his term, he will improve the agency's coordination with the local government units (LGUs) as well as invite all concerned stakeholders and organizations in case new policies will be undertaken. "Before making any unilateral policies, the agency is expected to conduct consultations prior to its approval among others," he said. He also disclosed that during his first few days, he will have an inventory of units to check on the database records to speed up and improve the agency's services.
