President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to push for reforms in the country’s transport system and hold accountable those responsible for recent fatal vehicular incidents.
In a video posted on his official Facebook page, Marcos expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza crash and the accident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
“Ten lives were lost in a devastating collision in Tarlac. Days later, two more—one of them a child—were taken in a tragic accident at the airport. These incidents should never have happened,” the President said.
“We will make the changes that need to be made. We will demand accountability where it is due. And we will build a transport system that truly protects Filipino people.”
President Marcos has directed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to take immediate action in identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability.
He also ordered sweeping reforms to improve commuter and traveler safety. These include a review of the driver licensing system to ensure only qualified drivers are allowed on the roads, and a nationwide audit of bus operators for compliance with safety and maintenance standards.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was also instructed to crack down on unsafe labor practices in the transport sector that lead to driver fatigue and long working hours.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to act—not only with sympathy, but with resolve. These lives must not be lost in vain,” Marcos said.