LTFRB forms team to probe Don Mariano Transit case

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has formed a team to look into the case of Don Mariano Transit Corp. following Monday's Skyway accident that left at least 18 people dead.

 

According to a report by Dante Perello on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" on Wednesday, the team is set to probe the company's labor and safety standards, inclluding:

LTFRB inspectors will also investigate the frequency of maintenance checks the company's buses undergo, the report said. 

 

The same report quoted the LTFRB as saying that though a labor standard compliance certificate was issued to the company for meeting the requirements, it already expired on July 17.

 

Earlier, the Land Transportation Office said 36 out of the 42 buses of the company that were tested failed roadworthiness tests.

 

Engr. Joel Donato, head of the LTO-Motor Vehicle Inspection section that conducted the tests, told GMA News Online that only six Don Mariano buses passed the hurdles at the LTO North Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in Quezon City.

 

Donato said LTO regulators expected to finish on Wednesday the roadworthiness tests on the remaining 35 buses owned by Don Mariano.

 

Meanwhile, the LTFRB said it will continue investigating the deadly accident involving one of the buses of Don Mariano Transit Corp. on the Skyway.

 

The bus that fell from the Skyway on Monday, killing 18 people and injuring 16 others, had worn out tires.

Charges vs. Don Mariano Transit, driver

 

Charges have been filed against Don Mariano Transit and the driver of the ill-fated bus, the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said Tuesday.

 

HPG spokesperson Superintendent Elizabeth Velasquez said the registered owner of the bus line as well as the bus driver Carmelo Calatcat are facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, injuries and damage to property.

 

The charges were filed before the Parañaque City Prosecutors' Office.

 

However, Second Assistant City Prosecutor Napoleon Ramolete said the case is criminal in nature and thus involves the driver and not the bus company.

 

The bus driver survived but is in critical condition.

 

The bus tires were worn out. Survivors also said the driver seemed sleepy at the time of the accident and that he was driving beyond the speed limit even though the road was wet. — Amanda Fernandez/RSJ/VS, GMA News