The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended eight buses of Pangasinan Five Star Bus Inc. for 30 days after a fatal road crash in Santiago City, Isabela.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the suspension was issued after a pedestrian died from injuries sustained in the June 11 crash in front of the Santiago City Medical Center.
Mendoza extended condolences to the victim’s family and said the agency would pursue measures to ensure accountability.
He said the move followed President Marcos’ directive to strictly enforce road safety rules and hold violators responsible.
Based on the police investigation, the bus driver lost control while traveling along the national highway and hit a female pedestrian in front of the hospital.
The bus also struck a pickup vehicle traveling on the opposite side of the road, while two passengers were injured in the incident.
In a show cause order, the LTFRB directed the bus operator to explain why its certificate of public convenience should not be suspended or revoked over the crash.
The agency also ordered the company to subject the driver to a drug test, present the eight suspended buses for roadworthiness inspection, and surrender their license plates. A hearing was set on July 7 to determine, among others, whether the company provided assistance to the victims and helped facilitate insurance payments.