PH needs safety-conscious drivers, says Tolentino

Independent senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino

Why was the driver sleepy? Was there no partner during his long drive? Was he overworked? And most of all, why are dangerous buses and drivers still being allowed on Philippine streets?

These questions, according to safety expert Atty. Francis Tolentino, should be answered by the management of Raymond Bus, after it figured in an accident along a major thoroughfare in Sariaya, Quezon.

“A few hours, a few minutes into the new year, and we have this accident. It is not a good sign. Some people value money over lives which is the wrong norm,” said Tolentino, a senatorial candidate.

Saturday early morning, the Raymond Bus, which was on its way back to Manila from Camarines Sur, plowed through the Kabayan Restaurant.

The victim, Jessica Estimo, a waitress, was declared dead on the spot. Some 41 others were injured and were rushed to the hospital.

“We condemn this and strongly urge the LTFRB to reconsider the franchise of Raymond Bus. How many more lives should be sacrificed before we upgrade the type of buses being allowed in our streets?” Tolentino said.

He said that bus companies should only be given franchises if they pass not only safety procedures which should be done every week for a regular basis and everyday during peak season such as holidays.

The LTFRB had issued a preventive suspension against Raymond Bus. But for Tolentino, it is not enough.

“Who will pay for the bills? I assume the bus company will. But how about the time? They returned early so that they can be with their loved one. How about those going to work? I appeal to Raymond Bus to pay for the days that they will be absent from work as they need time to heal,” Tolentino said.

“Damages should be paid to the victims especially to the family of the person who died. Safety never comes with a price. Accidents does not happen if one practices safety,” he said.