DOTr suspends 15 GV Florida bus units over viral Cagayan racing video
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon (Photo from Department of Transportation)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended the operations of fifteen GV Florida Bus Transport, Inc. buses after a viral video showed sone of the firm’s units apparently racing in Cagayan, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday.
According to Dizon, the 15 bus units—serving routes Sta. Ana to Sampaloc in Cagayan and from Baguio to Apayao—were suspended from operating for 30 days.
“Just because no one was hurt or injured doesn’t mean we’ll let it pass. I saw the statement and apology of the Florida Bus Co., and I’m telling them now: ‘apology not accepted,” Dizon in a press conference.
Apart from the 30-day suspension, Dizon said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) also suspended the licenses of the drivers involved for 90 days.
All company drivers were also directed to undergo mandatory drug testing.
According to Dizon, the suspension serves as a reminder to public utlity drivers and operators that they will be immediately sanctioned once they endanger the lives of their passengers and the traveling public.
“If you think the President and the DOTr weren’t serious, you’ll realize now that you’re wrong. This is also a message to all PUV companies: If you do something like this, the consequences will be severe,” added Dizon.
“To those drivers, we know it’s hard to lose a job right now. But because of your recklessness, you’re out of work for 90 days. And if we catch Florida Bus Co. allowing those drivers to operate, there will be consequences,” Dizon added.
All this developed after a viral video online showed at least six buses racing on a national highway in Cagayan on June 8.
