The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the immediate suspension of the UV Express unit involved in the shocking vehicular rampage along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, that left one person dead and at least 14 others injured on Friday, October 17.
The suspension follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold accountable those who endanger public safety on the road. Acting under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II confirmed that a show cause order has been issued to the vehicle’s operator, requiring them to explain why their franchise should not be permanently revoked.
“The owner of this particular unit has a lot of explaining to do. We will determine, through the investigation, why the driver reacted in such a reckless manner—one that caused death and multiple injuries,” Mendoza stated.
According to the police report obtained by LTFRB, the UV Express driver suddenly rammed into a group of motorcycle riders after a confrontation, triggering chaos along the busy highway. The driver reportedly sped off, swerving dangerously between eastbound and westbound lanes, hitting more vehicles and pedestrians in a desperate attempt to escape pursuit.
Authorities arrested the driver shortly after the incident, and the LTFRB has directed the vehicle’s owner to surrender its license plates while the unit remains impounded pending investigation.
“The act of hiring a reckless driver already shows gross negligence on the part of the operator,” Mendoza said, emphasizing that the agency is committed to ensuring accountability and upholding road safety standards.
The LTFRB extended its condolences to the bereaved family and the injured victims, assuring the public that swift and fair action will be taken.
“On behalf of the LTFRB, we express our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim. We will make sure justice is served,” Mendoza affirmed.
The LTFRB also reminded all public transport operators to strictly observe driver screening and monitoring protocols to prevent similar tragedies and maintain public confidence in the country’s transport system.