Driver of ill-fated Don Mariano bus to undergo drug test

(Updated 3 p.m.) The driver of the passenger bus that figured in Monday morning's accident that left at least 21 people dead will undergo drug test, a Malacañang spokesman said.

At a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also announced that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the 78 buses of Don Mariano Transit.

He said the owner of the bus line has already been informed of the suspension and has committed compliance. He also quoted Abaya as saying the bus company will cover the “liability” for those who died in the accident.

“During the 30-day suspension, Secretary Jun Abaya also ordered si [LTFRB] Chairman Wilson Ginez to conduct an investigation [into the matter],” he said.

Part of the investigation, Lacierda said, is the administration of the drug test on the driver and a review of the performance of the Don Mariano busline, which he said had already been involved in similar incidents before.

“I think tragedies like these only serve to remind us that we—especially the common carriers that they have an obligation in transportation law. They are supposed to have what we call 'extraordinary diligence',” he said.

On whether the government can institute a one-strike policy against bus operators, Lacierda said they will refer the question to Abaya.

In the meantime, Lacierda said they will also look into what infrastructure improvements that can be made along the Skyway to prevent similar accidents.
 
“We will [also] ask them to review the speed limit kung if it’s something that they should try to revisit,” he said.

Aside from this, he said there is a “continuing directive” from President Benigno Aquino III to the LTFRB to “significantly reduce the number of buses in EDSA.”

Lacierda also said the Land Transportation Office “should be looking also into the competence and qualifications of the professional drivers.”

“We have been implementing measures to ensure the traffic laws are enforced to the safety of the riding public and also the pedestrians,” he said. — KBK, GMA News