The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the suspension of a bus operator and summoned its management following a fatal road crash in Quezon City that left a senior citizen dead and 21 others injured.
In a press release dated Monday, June 1, the LTFRB, under the supervision of Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez of the Department of Transportation (Philippines), said it issued a show-cause order against the operator of a passenger bus involved in the May 29 incident along Quezon Avenue.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said preliminary findings, based on police reports, showed the bus allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Quezon Avenue and Miriam Defensor Santiago Road at around 5 a.m., resulting in a collision with an armored vehicle.
“From the investigation of the police, it is clear that there was reckless driving involved which compromised the safety of the bus passengers,” Mendoza said. “But we will give the opportunity to explain that’s why we already issued a Show Cause Order to the operator of the involved passenger bus.”
The LTFRB said the operator of the bus, identified as belonging to 997 Sandigan Transport Service Cooperative, is under a 30-day preventive suspension. The order also directs the submission of documents proving roadworthiness inspections and maintenance records of the vehicle involved.
The agency further required the operator to file a formal answer to the complaint at least five days before the scheduled hearing. Failure to appear, the LTFRB said, will be considered a waiver of the right to be heard, and the case will be decided based on available evidence.
Mendoza reminded transport operators of their responsibility to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws and the hiring of disciplined drivers, stressing that passenger safety must remain the top priority.
“Lagi nating aalalahanin na buhay ng tao na nagtitiwala sa inyo ang nakasalalay dito. Suklian po natin sila ng maayos at ligtas na serbisyo,” he said.
