Sorsogon: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) temporarily grounded three passenger buses of a transport company involved in a fatal road crash in Juban, Sorsogon, on Monday. The incident resulted in the death of two passengers of a private car, in addition to nine others who were injured during the crash along the Barangay Rangas portion of the Maharlika Highway.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II expressed the board's condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the board's commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. The LTFRB issued a show-cause order (SCO) against the bus operator, Elavil Tours, Inc., mandating the company to explain in writing why it should not face additional penalties related to the incident.

As part of the SCO, the bus operator is required to submit a notarized explanation and ensure the driver involved undergoes tests to verify his mental and physical state at the time of the crash. Mendoza highlighted the importance of determining whether the bus underwent regular preventive maintenance and other roadworthiness checks.

The LTFRB aims to verify if the vehicle had updated insurance to facilitate quick insurance payments to the victims. To expedite the processing of funds, Mendoza directed LTFRB 5 (Bicol) to collaborate with insurance companies for the immediate release of payments. The driver has also been asked to justify why he should not be penalized for his role in the incident.

The hearing of the case is scheduled for June 1, at the LTFRB Regional Office in Legazpi City.