Bus firm in Skyway accident has no DOLE compliance certificate

MANILA, Philippines—The Don Mariano Transit Corporation  is operating without the compliance certificate from the Department of Labor and Employment, a report from Inquirer Radio 990 AM on Tuesday said.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez said records of the bus company showed it has not renewed its compliance certificate since July.

Ginez said such violation could warrant  a suspension or cancellation of the company’s franchise.

A labor compliance certificate, according to him,  is given to bus companies that implemented  a two-tier payment system for drivers and conductors.

Ginez explained that bus drivers and conductors under the first tier are paid minimum wage, while those under the second tier get a commission based on performance.

He said this system was envisioned to discourage drivers from racing on the road to get as many passengers as possible.

Ginez said LTFRB would check with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to find out why the bus company’s compliance certificate was not renewed.

Ginez added that the Don Mariano Transit cannot re-register its bus line to get a new franchise.

He also told the survivors and the families of the fatalities not to make any settlement with the bus operator and pursue the case instead.