The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday that it will protect the uploader of the viral video showing six buses of GV Florida Transport Inc. racing along a highway in Cagayan, assuring that a legal assistance will be given to him.
"The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will protect and provide legal assistance to the viral video uploader against GV Florida Transport, Inc.'s harassment after the latter has announced it will file cases against the uploader," the Department stated.
The DOTr reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the safety and comfort of commuters and to ensure that no lives are put at risk, adding that they are committed to protecting individuals who report transportation-related violations and abuses.
"Para sa uploader ng nagkakarerang Florida buses: Wala kang dapat ikatakot dahil nasa likod mo ang buong DOTr," said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Likewise, the public is encouraged to continue reporting and submitting videos of abusive and reckless drivers to the DOTr.
The viral video, posted by Carlo Carbonel, showed six Florida Transport buses apparently racing along the national highway from Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya to Cordon, Isabela early Sunday morning, June 8.
In response to the incident, the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have suspended 15 units of Florida Transport Inc. for a minimum of 30 days, effective June 11.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Atty. Alexander Versoza, legal counsel for the bus company, claimed that the uploading of the video was done with malicious intent.
"It is our position that the ‘fast forward’ together with the caption, ‘ginawang race track ang kalsada’ is very damaging. It’s not truthful... I compare it to a fake news," the lawyer said.
