Bus driver denies racing prior to crash that killed Estella

MANILA, Philippines—There was a bus “race” on the night that journalist Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan was killed in a horrific crash, but the driver of the bus that rammed Simbulan’s taxi claimed two other buses were doing the racing.

The lawyer of bus driver Daniel Espinosa quoted his client in a press conference at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) in Camp Karingal in the wee hours of Saturday after Espinosa arrived in Manila.

Salvador Panelo, who said he was taking on the driver’s case pro bono, said he had talked to Espinosa and the bus driver told him that two other buses were involved in the supposed “race.”

“He told me about the accident. According to my client, two Nova buses were racing each other at the time of the accident. One of the buses initially hit the victim’s taxi,” the lawyer said.

According to Panelo, Espinosa said the taxi which was on Commonwealth Avenue’s westbound lane careened and spun out of control.

The bus driver told his lawyer that he tried to avoid hitting the cab but things happened so  fast.

“I intend to ask the investigating prosecutor to subpoena Nova bus lines for a list of their buses plying that route. Surely they have that record,” Panelo said.

Asked if Espinosa was “racing” as well, the lawyer said his client was well within the 60 kph speed limit on Commonwealth Avenue, dubbed the “killer highway,” at the time of the accident.

The bus driver surrendered in Davao City late Thursday night but only arrived past midnight Saturday because of flight delays.

Espinosa, accompanied by his sister Nenita Jaum, was taken directly to QCPD headquarters by Chief Superintendent Rodelio Marcelo who picked him up at the airport.

The bus driver declined to face the media who had been waiting for him in Quezon City as early as 2 p.m. Friday.

Panelo appeared in Espinosa’s stead to face the media questions. His client hid for six days before giving himself up.

Asked why Espinosa fled the scene of the accident, Panelo said: “The only reason why he left was because he was very afraid.”

The lawyer added that Espinosa’s surrender only showed that “his conscience is clear.”

The QCPD learned that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had no closed circuit TV cameras in the area where the accident took place.

Espinosa was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property, and abandonment of one’s victim before the Quezon City prosecutors’ office after being identified as the driver of the Universal Guiding Star bus which crashed into Simbulan’s cab in the evening of May 13.

Simbulan, a renowned journalist and University of the Philippines professor, died in the crash. Her husband, professor Roland Simbulan, had said the victim was on her way to the UP Ayala Technohub for a high school reunion.

The preliminary investigation of the complaint is set for May 31,” Resurreccion said.

The offense is a bailable crime, with courts usually setting bail at P30,000.

It was Espinosa’s personal request that he remain at the QCPD while the preliminary investigation is ongoing, Resurreccion said.

As he is technically not under arrest, Espinosa has the option to go home to Taytay, Rizal, but he opted to stay at the QCPD police camp with his sister.