Skyway accident spurs LTFRB to probe other bus companies

^{The body count was 18 after a Don Mariano Transit bus fell off the elevated Skyway on Monday. Photo by Danny Pata}
 

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will investigate other bus companies, not just Don Mariano Transit Corp., after a horrific accident involving a Don Mariano bus killed 18 people and injured several others early Monday.

 

"The board would like to get a clearer picture of what is going on, not only in Don Mariano but also in other companies," Mary Ann Salada, chief of staff to the LTFRB chair, told GMA News Online in a phone interview late Wednesday.

 

"Whatever facts we can get from our records, it is going to be included... and suspension or revocation of their franchise will be subject to the adjudication of the board," she added.

 

According to a report by Cesar Apolinario on GMA News' "24 Oras" Wednesday, Don Mariano Transit president Dr. Melissa Lim owns six other bus companies. The reporte cited LTFRB records showing that Lim also owns Admiral Transport, Fermina Express, Mencorp, Commuters, Nova Auto Transport and Roval Transport, with a combined fleet of 474 buses.

 

"Ito pa yung isang tinitingnan din namin at within today na-i-submit din sa aking opisina ang accident record nitong mga kumpanya na ito," LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez noted in the report.

Salada added that the LTFRB is not singling out Don Mariano Transit and its affiliates, but is also looking into the records of other bus companies.

 

"Ang investigation namin, hindi lang doon sa Don Mariano group kung hindi sa lahat ng bus companies," she said.

 

"The chairman will come out with a list of bus companies with most casualties or deaths, violations, et cetera," she said. – VS/BM, GMA News