LTFRB suspends 32 RORO buses after deadly Palawan accident

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday suspended the operation of Roro Bus Transport Services, the bus company involved in Monday's deadly road accident in Palawan that left seven people dead.

“We are issuing suspension order to prevent all buses of Roro Transport Services from operating along our national highways,” LTFRB chairman Winston M. Ginez said in an emailed statement.

The bus company has 32 bus units.  

Land Transportation Office records showed that the Roro Bus was not registered by the operator as For-Hire Public Utility Bus Service, and was not also registered as For Hire or Private Classification vehicle for this year.

Last Monday, a roll-on roll-off (RORO) bus collided with a Toyota Innova around 3 p.m. on a national highway in Barangay Santa Lucia in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The accident killed seven individuals – the driver and all of the Innova's passengers — including the daughter of former APEC party-list Rep. Ponciano Payuyo.

The bus supposedly tried to overtake a passing tricycle when it collided with the Innova which was at the opposite lane.

A hearing regarding the accident was set on September 4, the LTRFB said.

“The bus operator of Roro Transport Services is also ordered to Show Cause in writing within seventy two (72) hours from receipt of the order to explain why its Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or cancelled for blatant and willful violation of the terms and conditions,” it added. — Rouchelle Dinglasan/KBK, GMA News