LTFRB summons operator, driver of bus in NLEx accident

LTFRB logo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday said it had issued a show cause order against the operator and the driver of the bus involved in a crash along the North Luzon Expressway in Valenzuela City.

READ: DOTr chief: Bus firm in NLEX accident suspended

According to LTFRB spokesperson Ariel Inton, the show cause order was issued April 15.

“The show cause order was issued to Wilson Hong Sy, and the driver of the PUV (public utility vehicle) with plate number ACZ 4376,” said Inton in a public forum.

“So meron na ring naka-set na hearing (so there is already a set hearing) on April 30, 10:00 a.m.,” he added.

Inton said LTFRB sets a hearing on such cases due to the board’s quasi-judicial function.

“’Pag may ganito may show cause order, ang ibig sabihin noon ay okay magpaliwanag ka bakit hindi ka namin dapat tanggalan ng prangkisa o i-suspend,  so nagkakaroon ng hearing ‘yon because of the function of LTFRB,” said Inton.

(When something like this happens, a show cause order is issued, which means you’re given a chance to explain why your franchise shouldn’t be revoked or why you shouldn’t be suspended. So, a hearing is held because that’s part of the LTFRB’s function.)

Meanwhile, based on a copy of the order, the LTFRB also placed Sy’s bus company on preventive suspension for not more than 30 days upon receipt of the order.

He was then directed to surrender all of his bus company’s for-hire plates to the LTFRB’s legal division.

Furthermore, the LTFRB directed Sy to comply with the following within the 30-day suspension:

• Undergo Road Safety Seminar of Respondent-operator’s drivers assigned to the said PUB to be conducted or scheduled by the Board and/or its authorized seminar provider;
• Compulsory drug testing of the Respondent-operator’s, drivers and conductors to be conducted by authorized/accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office;
• To undergo and pass on the roadworthiness inspection of all the buses conducted by the LTO or by its authorized Vehicle Inspection Centers;
• Submit the video clippings of roadworthiness inspection, Road Safety Seminar and Drug Testing; and
• Proof of payments from its insurance company, that the insurance benefits arising from the road crash had been duly received by the victim/s.