Quezon city: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday suspended the operation of a traditional jeepney after a passenger was thrown off when the driver swerved.
According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II announced a show-cause order (SCO) has been issued to the operator of the jeepney, which was also suspended for 30 days pending the outcome of a hearing. Mendoza emphasized the responsibility of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to prioritize passenger safety, stating, "Public utility vehicles (PUVs) are neither built nor approved to operate for car racing."
Mendoza further noted that PUV operators must ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and avoid employing reckless drivers. The SCO requires the operator to provide a written explanation as to why their operating authority should not be further suspended or canceled.
The operator is currently facing administrative charges for "failure to provide safe, reliable, and convenient public land transportation service and employment of a reckless driver." A hearing scheduled for July 14 will address these charges and discuss the status of the passenger who fell, along with any assistance provided.
Mendoza remarked, "We will not tolerate this kind of reckless behavior by the driver and will make sure that he learns his lesson from this incident."
The Land Transportation Office had already suspended the driver involved in the incident on Wednesday. The driver faces administrative charges including reckless driving, failure to perform a driver's duty in case of an accident, and operating a motor vehicle while being an improper person to do so.
The incident, captured in a dashcam video that went viral on social media, occurred on the night of June 23. The traditional jeepney was traveling along Aurora Boulevard toward Cubao in Quezon City when it suddenly swerved at high speed, causing a passenger near the rear to fall onto the road. The driver, seemingly unaware, continued driving until another driver informed him of the incident.
