Solid North halts operations after SCTEX crash

Operations of the Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. have been suspended for 30 days following a fatal multiple-vehicle collision on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) on Thursday.

According to a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report by Vonne Aquino on Saturday, a statement from Solid North said they halted operations in compliance with a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton said the suspension order was issued on Friday.

''Effectively, all affected bookings may request their respective cancellations or prerogatives,'' the bus company said.

“We are one with the nation in sympathizing with those affected by this unfortunate event. As a bus operator, we’ve always strived to continuously provide the best for our passengers. However, some uncontrollable factors get even the best of us, [which led] to this isolated case,” it added.

“We understand the severity of the situation, and we will be responsible and accountable for it.”

Representatives of the bus company had already reached out to the victims of the crash, which killed 10 persons, including four children, and injured 37 others.

The government of Tarlac, as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), helped with hospital bills and other funeral expenses.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also visited the wake of a deceased PCG personnel and her husband.

Three of the victims are scheduled for cremation on Friday, while burial schedules of the other victims are still being discussed.

Following the accident, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) raised the need to address issues regarding overworked drivers operating on “unsafe limits” of long work hours, unreasonable quotas, substandard training, neglected vehicle maintenance, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations.

TUCP president and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza emphasized the need to solve these “fundamental systemic issues,” and urged for a DOTr-led probe to enforce accountability and avoid future similar incidents.

“This tragic accident is a painful reminder of the glaring gaps in road safety enforcement and the persistent neglect of driver welfare in the public transport sector. We express our grave concern over the fundamental systemic issues that continue to endanger both passengers and drivers alike,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza also emphasized TUCP’s call for a “road safety reform agenda,” which included adequate wages for workers, working hour limits with mandatory rest periods, regular vehicle inspections, quality training, and harsher penalties for violations and large-scale accidents.

“This is a win-win for all public transport operators, drivers, regulators, and passengers, ensuring the safety of both workers and commuters heading to work, returning home, or traveling for leisure. We owe it to the victims of this tragedy and every Filipino road user to make sure this tragedy never happens again,” he added. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News