The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the driver and operator of a passenger bus involved in a fatal road accident in Atimonan, Quezon, on November 5, 2026.
Based on the police report, the bus was traveling along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tagbakin around 5 a.m. when its engine cover detached and struck a pedestrian waiting for a ride to Manila. The victim was rushed to Doña Marta Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The LTO directed the driver and bus operator to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division on November 13 to submit their sworn statements and explain the incident.
The driver faces a possible reckless driving violation, while the operator is being investigated for employing a reckless driver and breaching franchise conditions.
As an immediate measure, the driver's license was ordered surrendered for a 90-day suspension, while the bus was placed under alarm.
LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao stressed that negligence in maintaining public utility vehicles must not result in loss of life.
“Bawat piyesa at bahagi ng sasakyan ay dapat tiyaking ligtas at maayos bago ito bumiyahe dahil kahit isang pagkukulang ay maaaring magdulot ng trahedya sa kalsada,” Lacanilao said.
The agency also vowed to hold accountable those found violating transportation laws and strengthen inspections to ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles.
