LTFRB suspends 10 bus units of firm in Quezon road accident

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended 10 units of a bus line that was involved in Monday’s accident in Quezon province where 55 passengers got injured.

The bus operator, Eduardo Palma, was directed to surrender the “for-hire” plates to the LTFRB legal division on Tuesday, an order issued on Wednesday showed.

The 30-day preventive suspension order was signed by LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez, and board members Ariel Inton and Ronaldo Corpus, in view of the Dec. 21 accident about 8:30 p.m. along Quirino Highway, Barangay San Vicente in Tagkawayan, Quezon.

The LTFRB asked the bus operator to explain in writing within three days why his franchise should not be revoked.  The case will be heard on Jan. 13, 2016.

The drivers and operators will have to undergo drug testing and road safety seminar while the bus units will be inspected for road worthiness.

“I would like to remind all our public utility drivers and operators to be extra cautious since we are now in the yuletide season. Let’s not prioritize speed and volume of passengers for now, what’s important is to deliver our passengers safely to all their respective destinations,” Inton said in a statement.  SFM