PUJ operator may lose franchise

A public utility jeepney (PUJ) operator may lose his franchise after one of his units figured in an accident that injured four pedestrians in Parañaque City, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday.

Robert Pieg, chief of the LTFRB’s legal division, said they have issued a show cause order against Magno Saquilayan, asking him to explain why his franchise should not be cancelled.

The board ordered Saquilayan and driver Ronald Robles Borcelas to attend the LTFRB hearing on Tuesday.

Four pedestrians were injured after they were hit by a jeepney driven by Borcelas at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Airport Road in Baclaran last Thursday.

Authorities said the victims were crossing the street when they were hit by the jeepney with license plates NWT-996.

The victims were brought to the Parañaque Community Hospital for treatment.

Borcelas claimed he lost control of the jeepney, causing him to hit the pedestrians. He was detained at the Parañaque police detention center.

Traffic investigators, however, said the jeepney was speeding at the time of the accident.

Investigation showed that Borcelas had a fake driver’s license. Borcelas’ photo was glued to the license of his sibling, police said.

The LTFRB said Saquilayan should explain why he allowed his driver to use a fake license. –