|
By Jefferson Antiporda, Reporter
LEADERS of various transport groups in Metro
Manila reiterated their appeal to President Gloria Arroyo to
withdraw his appointment.
Zeny Maranan, president of the Federation of
Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap),
said that the appointment of Lomibao to the LTO will only leave the
fate of the transport sector in limbo amid several concerns that
presently affect them.
Maranan said that issues like a prospective fare
hike, continuing oil price increases, and extortion activities by
corrupt traffic enforcers and policemen have to be resolved by the
LTO chief.
Maranan believes that the removal of Transport
Assistant Secretary Reynaldo I. Berroya will also derail the reform
programs he has been effectively implementing in the LTO during the
past 10 months he piloted the agency.
“When General Lomibao was PNP chief, he never
had time to meet us until he retired from the police service in
2005. We sought appointments with him regarding several concerns on
the transport sector, but we were never allowed to meet him,”
Maranan said in a press conference.
She added, “What more if he [Lomibao] assumes
the position of chief of LTO?”
Maranan was joined by other transport leaders
that included Juliet de Jesus of Manila Bus Operators Association (MBOA);
Eleanor Santos of the North East Manila Bus Operators Group (Nembog);
and Homer Mercado of the South Luzon Bus Operators Association of
the Philippines (Solboa). They shared the sentiments raised by
Maranan.
In recent interviews, Lomibao said that he is
ready to have a dialogue with the transport leaders to address all
the issues against him and build a good relationship with the public
transport sector.
The former PNP head even attempted to organize a
meeting with the transport leaders, but Lomibao decried that the
leaders refused to give him a chance, saying they are not interested
to meet with him.
On August 8, Malacañang appointed Lomibao as
new LTO chief to replace Berroya, who will be transferred to the
Department of Transportation and Communication.
However, Secretary Leandro Mendoza has not yet
sworn Lomibao into office because of the objection raised by the
transport leaders.
Last week, nine out of 15 LTO regional and
assistant directors signed a petition to ask President Arroyo to
retain Berroya at the agency to ensure its good performance.
|
