'We're not joking': DOTr vows tough action on erring bus companies
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon warned bus companies to ensure passenger safety after issuing show-cause orders against several drivers and operators who allegedly endangered their passengers.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 16, Dizon said bus lines that ignore safety measures will face severe penalties.
“Hindi tayo nagbibiro dito. Hindi natin ikokompromiso at seguridad ng mga biyahero natin (We’re not joking around here. We will not compromise the safety of our commuters). We want them to take us seriously,” Sec. Dizon said.
“Ang sabi ng Pangulo, hindi natin ikokompromiso ang safety ng ating mga komyuter (As what the President said, we will not compromise the safety of our commuters),” he added.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday, April 15, issued a show cause order against Draven Bus Co., asking it to explain why its certificate of public convenience should not be suspended, canceled, or revoked after one of its buses figured in a car crash on Monday night.
The Monumento-bound Draven bus hit a truck and a closed van on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Valenzuela City, leaving 13 individuals injured.
Show cause orders by the LTFRB and Land Transportation Office (LTO) were likewise issued against a bus company and its driver plying the Carmen, Pangasinan route over alleged reckless driving.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, bus passengers seem to be under significant distress over the driver’s irresponsible speeding.
Meanwhile, four bus companies operating in Malibay, Pasay will be summoned by the LTFRB for operating illegal makeshift terminals.
Based on his recent inspection, Dizon said Philtranco, Mega Bus, Ten Ten, and RMB Bus Companies leave passengers in a “deplorable state” at their so-called terminals.
He stressed that it is simply unacceptable for passengers to stay at terminals without proper chairs, comfort rooms, roofing, and ventilation.
“Talagang winawasak yung dignidad ng mga kababayan natin kapag ganito (The dignity of our fellow Filipinos is truly being trampled on when things like this happen),” stressed Dizon.
“Lahat ng pwedeng penalties, sanctions na pwedeng i-impose, pinapaaral ko na sa LTFRB na i-impose sa mga ganitong bus companies,” he added.
(I’m instructing the LTFRB to study and impose all possible penalties and sanctions on bus companies like these.)