G.R. No. L-12029; April 30, 1959
NATIVIDAD LOPEZ, petitioner, vs. BATANGAS TRANSPORTATION CO., and LAGUNA-TAYABAS BUS CO., respondents.

FACTS

Petitioner Natividad Lopez, a TPU auto-truck operator on the Biñan-Manila and Manila-Batangas lines, filed an application with the Public Service Commission (PSC) on June 2, 1956, seeking an increase in equipment and additional trips on said lines. The application was opposed by Batangas Transportation Co., Laguna-Tayabas Bus Co., and Biñan Transportation Co., on grounds that existing service was sufficient to handle the traffic volume, oppositors were ready to meet any emergency needs, and granting the application would cause useless duplication of service and ruinous competition. The PSC denied petitioner’s request for a provisional permit on July 10, 1956, finding no immediate public necessity. After trial, the PSC rendered a decision on October 18, 1956, denying the application, which was upheld upon denial of a motion for reconsideration on December 14, 1956. Petitioner appealed, challenging the PSC’s factual findings.

ISSUE

Whether the Public Service Commission erred in denying petitioner’s application for increased trips and equipment, based on its finding that there was no necessity for the additional service.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the PSC’s decision. The Court held that the PSC’s factual findings, supported by substantial evidence, are binding and conclusive. The PSC properly relied on reports from its checking agents over the testimony of petitioner’s passenger witnesses and employees, as the agents’ reports were deemed more reliable and unbiased. The Court reiterated that occasional passenger congestion does not justify additional service, as transportation schedules are based on ordinary traffic patterns, not sporadic peaks. Petitioner failed to demonstrate an absence of evidence supporting the PSC’s decision or any legal error. Thus, the PSC’s denial of the application was upheld. Costs were imposed on petitioner.