Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has taken decisive action by grounding 20 additional passenger buses and trucks from three separate transport companies following three distinct road crashes.
According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II announced that the incidents, which took place in Quezon province and Nueva Ecija, are currently under investigation as part of the board's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety within the nation's public transportation system. The investigation aims to establish accountability among all involved parties, identify methods to prevent similar occurrences, and ensure the safety of all road users.
Mendoza expressed the LTFRB's goal to discern patterns of negligence, driver behavior, and infrastructure issues contributing to road accidents. The findings from these inquiries are intended to inform safety measures that protect everyone using the roads. Consequently, the LTFRB has issued show-cause orders to three transport operators: Victory Liner Inc., Philtranco Service Enterprises Inc., and another trucking firm.
One notable incident involved a Victory Liner bus in a collision with a truck in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, resulting in the death of a passenger. In response, the LTFRB has temporarily grounded at least 15 buses owned by Victory Liner for a 30-day period while investigations continue.
In a separate incident, the LTFRB suspended a Philtranco bus following a fatal crash in Plaridel, Quezon. Additionally, four trucks belonging to Melencio Magtalas have been suspended after one was involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Lucena City.
Mendoza emphasized that these suspensions are part of the LTFRB's active monitoring strategy, underscoring the importance of road safety as a priority for transport companies. He highlighted that the franchise granted by the government through the LTFRB is a privilege that carries the responsibility of ensuring the safety and welfare of passengers and all road users.
He further warned that non-compliance with rules, regulations, and responsibilities could result in the revocation of a company's franchise by the government. Earlier, the LTFRB suspended 26 units owned by Victory Liner following an incident in Tuba, Benguet, where a bus crash injured nearly 100 passengers.
In another action, the LTFRB issued a temporary suspension against 997 Sandigan Transport Service Coop. after a bus attempted to run a red light and was subsequently struck by an armored vehicle in Quezon City.
