A year after GV Florida bus crash, victims’ families renew call for justice, reforms

"Every bus is a bus full of dreamers."

With those words, the families and friends of those who died in the G.V. Florida bus crash in Bontoc nearly a year ago renewed their call for justice and for reforms in public transportation and road safety.

"While we continue to mourn for our loss, we still seek for justice. Up to this day, the criminal case has not moved forward and some families still have not been given compensation due them," a statement from artist group Dakila said.

Comedian and activist Arvin "Tado" Jimenez, one of those who died during the crash, co-founded the organization.

For the first anniversary of the crash on February 7, families and friends of the victims have lined up a series of events that kicked off with a gathering at Sev's Cafe in Malate on Wednesday. The event will be followed by:

Feb. 7, Saturday
Online Launch of Campaign for Road Safety
6 a.m. - Commemoration Ride, Mt. Polis to Bontoc
6 a.m. - Bike in Marikina
7 p.m. - Gig at Ta-as

Feb 8, Sunday
10 a.m. - Catholic Mass at Barangay Talubin near the Crash Site
7 p.m. - Gig at Cabina Resto Bar
Tribute climb at Mt. Manabu, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

"We commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy to remember our loved ones that perished that day and celebrate the full lives they lived. We commemorate to remind the public that this incident should never happen again, to remain steadfast and vigilant in ensuring reforms in our transport system," the statement added.

Reforms sought
 
Dakila and the victims' families also stressed the need for reforms in the public transport system.

"No family should ever have to go through losing a loved one because of the irresponsibility and lack of accountability of bus companies in ensuring that the riding public has a safe, convenient, and comfortable commute.

"We gather again to call for reforms in the Philippine transport system. What happened on February 7, 2014 should never happen again. We call on the government, transport service providers and the commuting public; let us all do our share in making transport safe for everyone," the group said.

The artists' collective also created a campaign via a mobile app/website called "PARA sa PILIPINAS," which will be launched on Saturday. It is a platform that allows commuters to share their experiences with bus companies. This way, the companies will be held accountable and be encouraged to maintain a certain standards of public safety, comfort, and convenience.

"We gather again to remind the public and ourselves that every bus is a bus full of dreamers; that every passenger has a dream, may it be for oneself or others," Dakila stated. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News