Don Mariano Transit’s drivers were not paid monthly salaries – LTFRB

Don Mariano Transit Corp., owner of the bus that drove off the Skyway on Monday, did not pay its drivers monthly salaries, a "24 Oras" report on Thursday showed.

Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) executive director Roberto Cabrera said the company failed to secure a labor compliance certificate that would require the bus line to give its drivers monthly pay.

Cabrera added that the Labor department, since 2007, no longer allows a "commission" system based on how much the drivers make beyond the "boundary" they must remit to the bus company.

That system compels drivers to constantly rush to make more money, leading to speeding and reckless driving, often resulting in the crashes that have become regular fare for TV news.

"'Yung ibinaba ng DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment] noong 2007, it required that lahat would be [paid] on a monthly basis. Bawal na po dapat talaga 'yung purely commissioned basis," he said.

"It appeared na hindi po nag-comply ang Don Mariano," Cabrera added.

The Land Transportation Office has ordered a five-day inspection of the company's 506 buses after the Don Mariano Transit was suspended for 30 days, the report said. A hearing has been set at the LTFRB on January 7.

Meanwhile, some drivers said that the franchise's suspension might hurt them and their families this Christmas season.

"Sana bigyan kami ng amnesty... Paano kami, magugutom pamilya namin. Ilang araw kaming magdudusa ngayong December," said driver Crispino Sangko.

"Wala rin naman silang pautang [kahit] alam na suspendido mga bus eh," driver Francisco Anir also lamented.

The Skyway crash killed 18 bus passengers and injured 16 other people, including the driver, who is in critical condition.

The tires of the bus were found to be worn out. Survivors also said the driver seemed to be sleepy at the time of the incident.

Since 2007, Don Mariano figured in seven accidents, including Monday's incident, according to a "24 Oras" report on Monday. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab/BM, GMA News