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Don Mariano Transit: Skyway bus crash an ‘isolated’ incident


The operator of the passenger bus that figured in Monday morning's deadly Skyway accident broke its silence Tuesday and described the accident, which left over a dozen people dead, as an “isolated” case.

“Kasi isolated lang po siguro 'yan,” said lawyer Jason Cantil, legal counsel for the Don Mariano Transit, in an interview on GMA News TV's “News To Go.” “Nataon lang po siguro na hindi na-check yung gulong na nasa picture. Maayos naman po yung mga ibang buses namin.”

Cantil was referring to the picture that appeared on the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer showing the wheels of the ill-fated bus as heavily worn-out.

A CCTV footage from the Skyway showed the bus skidding on the rain-drenched road before it fell off the elevated thoroughfare, crushing a van below. The accident killed 18 people and injured 16 others, including the bus driver who was in critical condition.

Regular inspections

In the “News To Go” interview, Cantil said their buses undergo regular maintenance and inspection procedures.

“May mandatory inspection naman po yung LTO [Land Transportation Office]. Yearly po yan na nagko-conduct at other than the implementation of the LTO may routine company checkup,” he said.

He added they have their own company maintenance and inspection procedure aside from LTO's and their mechanics see to it that buses go under “rigid” inspections to be deemed roadworthy before travel.

As for their drivers, Cantil said they undergo drug tests and apprenticeship before they hit the road.

“Tapos may mga seminars na ina-attendan sila na minsan ang nagpapa-conduct ng seminar is MMDA [Metro Manila Development Authority] at LTO,” he said, citing the “Super Tsuper” program as an example.

Financial assistance

Meanwhile, Cantil said they will pay for the funeral expenses and hospitalization bills of the victims.

He added that although they haven't agreed to a standard payment they will already hand out financial assistance to some victims.

“Yung minor pong injuries bibigyan po namin sila ng P10,000 po. Tapos yung iba po naman nakikipag-negotiate naman kami,” Cantil said.

He also said they are studying the option of preparing a quit-claim waiver for the victims.

Past accidents

The Skyway accident was not the first time involving a Don Mariano bus. In July 2012, one of its buses almost fell off the EDSA flyover in Ortigas, resulting in a 60-day suspension on the company's fleet.

The Don Mariano Transit is among the bus companies with the most property damage related incidents in 2010 to 2011, based on the records of the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

For Monday's tragic accident, the LTFRB slapped the Don Mariano Transit a 30-day suspension on all its buses. Their drivers will also undergo a mandatory drug test and road safety seminar.

The formal hearing on the case will be held at the LTFRB office Quezon City on January 7, 2014. — Drei Medina/KBK, GMA News

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