The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has summoned the operator of a passenger bus that rammed concrete barriers along EDSA in Quezon City on Friday, October 30.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said the show cause order (SCO) issued against Pangasinan Five Star Bus Co. Inc. demands an explanation as to why its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or cancelled over the incident.
The instruction is to submit the response within three days after the receipt of the SCO.
“This is part of the investigation to determine what happened. Was it because of the motor vehicle or was it because of the driver? These are some of the questions that we want answered,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
Based on the media report, the bus rammed at least eight concrete barriers along the southbound lane of EDSA near the corner of Quezon Avenue.
The incident came after the LTFRB reminded all public utility vehicle operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their units and check the mental and physical condition of their drivers.
“One of the conditions in the granting of the CPC is for these PUV operators to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience. This kind of incident must be avoided because the lives of passengers are at stake,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
“We ask all bus operators to shape up in terms of road safety, especially at this time of the year when millions of our kababayan will travel for Undas,” he added.
The hearing of the case was set on November 5, based on the SCO signed by Ralph Aidrin E. Baguio, officer-in-charge of the LTFRB Legal Division.
“Failure on the part of the respondent to appear before the Hearing Officer and file an Answer shall be considered as a waiver on its part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of a penalty in the amount of P5,000,” the SCO read
