The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally demanded payment from LS8 Tourist Transportation Corporation for the damage caused by a bus fire at the EDSA-Ortigas Interchange on April 24.

In an official letter, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon directed the company to shoulder the full cost of repairing and rehabilitating the affected flyover to restore it to safe operating condition.

The directive follows initial inspections indicating structural exposure and damage to critical bridge components.

Dizon stressed that the company’s liability extends beyond immediate repair works. LS8 is also required to cover any additional expenses that may arise after a comprehensive structural evaluation, including the implementation of permanent remedial measures to ensure the integrity of the infrastructure.

The DPWH said the move aims to guarantee public safety and expedite the normalization of traffic flow along the heavily congested EDSA-Ortigas corridor.

The agency added that the demand is issued without prejudice to any administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities that may be pursued in connection with the incident.