LTFRB issues show cause order vs operator, driver of ‘overspeeding’ bus in viral video

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday asked the operator and driver of an alleged “overspeeding” public utility bus to respond to allegations that it violated traffic policies along Edsa last July 17.

In a viral video, the Joanna Jesh bus was caught racing away on the Edsa busway, swiping and knocking down some concrete barriers that also struck other vehicles.

LTFRB ordered the bus driver and operator to appear at the agency’s investigation division on July 27 at 2 p.m. to respond to their traffic violations.

“The reported acts are violations of Section 48 (reckless driving) and 27 (Authority to Suspend, Revoke and Reinstate Driver’s License) of Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the ‘Land Transportation and Traffic Code,’” read the show cause order from LTFRB.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran told reporters that possible charges against the operator and driver could be reckless driving and damage to government property.

In a separate statement, the Department of Transportation said it denounced the “gross violations” of the bus operator and driver tagged in the video.

“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) strongly condemns the driver of the Joanna Jesh Transport public utility bus (PUB) with license plate number CAP 5133 for gross violation of road transport rules, as captured in a video by a concerned netizen that was posted in social media,” read the statement. [ac]