Over 200 buses have applied for Sunday’s INC centennial so far — LTFRB

INC brethren who waited for the announcement of the representative from the Guinness World Records joyously shout and raise their hands as it was finally released. (Photographer: Avril Dina / Correspondent: Eunicel Lacson / Facebook page of Iglesia Ni Cristo Worldwide Walk for Typhoon Haiyan – Yolanda)

MANILA — More than 200 bus units have applied for special permits to be allowed to transport millions of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members as the church marks its 100th anniversary this coming Sunday in Bulacan.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday said that a total of 221 bus units have applied for a special permit since it started accepting applications on Tuesday.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez, in an interview with reporters, said that the board is expecting for a flock of applicants until Friday.

He further said that the LTFRB office will even be open until Saturday in case there are last minute applicants coming from Northern Luzon.

The special permits, valid from July 25 to August 2, will be used to transport INC members from their point of origin to Bocaue, Bulacan and back.

“I have already spoken to all our regional directors and they are ready to issue all special permits upon application,” Ginez said.

The LTFRB chief also called on bus operators and their officers to start applying as soon as possible.

Earlier, the LTFRB said that preparations for the INC anniversary is already in full swing in various areas in the country including arranging transport services to bring its members to the event.

Ginez also said that the board will not tolerate bus operators’ taking advantage of the INC event to raise their rates.

The INC’s anniversary will be held in the largest domed facility in the world, the Philippine Arena, located in Bocaue, Bulacan.