LTFRB suspends operation of 16 buses, 4 trucks over Quezon, Nueva Ecija road crashes
(LTFRB)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended the operation of 20 passenger buses and trucks in an intensified road safety campaign following the series of road crashes in various parts of the country.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza said they already issued a show cause order for the three companies in relation to three separate road crashes in Quezon and Nueva Ecija where the suspension order was cited for 16 passenger buses and four trucks.
He emphasized the need for investigation not only to determine accountability but also to analyze measures that could be implemented to protect the life and limb of all road users.
“We want to identify a pattern of possible negligence, behavior and infrastructure problems that contribute to road crashes. And we want to establish measures out of these investigations to ensure the safety of all road users,” said Mendoza.
In a statement, Mendoza said the incident involving the Victory Liner was a road crash involving a wayward truck in San Jose City in Nueva Ecija. In the SCO, the operation of at least 15 buses owned by the company were temporarily suspended for 30 days over the road crash.
Earlier, 26 units owned by the same company were suspended for a road crash involving two of its buses in Tuba, Benguet that resulted in the injury of almost 100 passengers.
Two more SCOs were issued for two separate accidents involving a passenger bus in Plaridel town of Quezon and a truck in Lucena City.
Mendoza said the active monitoring of the LTFRB sends a strong message that the agency is firm in ensuring that road safety must always be prioritized by transport companies.
“The franchise that the government gives through the LTFRB is a privilege that comes with an obligation to ensure the safety and welfare of not only the passengers but all road users," said Mendoza.
“We will not hesitate to cancel it once we find out that the operator is not complying with the rules and regulations and demands that come with the authority to operate,” he added.
Mendoza said the hearings for each case were already set, warning that ignoring the SCO comes with serious consequences that may include revocation of the franchise.