G.R. No. L-13080, December 29, 1959
PANGASINAN TRANSPORTATION CO., INC., petitioner, vs. TIMES TRANSPORTATION CO., INC., respondent.

FACTS

The petitioner, Pangasinan Transportation Co., Inc., sought a review of a decision by the Public Service Commission (Case No. 96322). The Commission had ordered the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience to the respondent, Times Transportation Co., Inc., authorizing it to operate a TPU (auto-truck) service on three specific lines: Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Bolinao, Pangasinan (3 units); Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Dagupan City (2 units); and Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Baguio City (1 unit). The petitioner opposed the grant on two grounds: (1) insufficient evidence to reasonably support the certificate, and (2) the grant would lead to ruinous competition among authorized operators. The evidence on record established that due to the fast expansion of commerce and industry in the area, there was an increasing public demand for more and better transportation facilities. Existing operators admitted there was no direct and continuous service from Vigan to Dagupan City or from Vigan to Bolinao, and for the Vigan-Baguio City route, only the Manila Railroad Company provided service. Witnesses testified that available transportation was inadequate, causing passengers difficulties, inconveniences, and delays. The petitioner also cited previous Commission decisions from 1953 and 1956 that denied applications for similar lines.

ISSUE

Whether the Public Service Commission erred in granting the Certificate of Public Convenience to the respondent.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Public Service Commission. The Court held that the evidence of record fully established the need for more transportation services on the applied lines due to expanding commerce, industry, and increasing public demand. The absence of direct and continuous service, coupled with aggravating traffic volume and passenger inconveniences, justified the authorization. The Court declined to re-examine and weigh the evidence anew, as it found there was competent evidence to reasonably support the Commission’s decision, citing the rule that such review is not warranted unless no competent evidence supports the decision. The Court also found that the petitioner’s claim of ruinous competition was mere speculation unsupported by the evidence. The previous Commission denials from 1953 and 1956 were based on different circumstances and did not control, as traffic conditions had changed. The decision was affirmed with costs against the petitioner.