Driver in Valisno bus crash asks for forgiveness

The driver of the bus that figured in an accident that left four passengers dead and 16 other wounded on Wednesday in Quezon City is asking for the victims' forgiveness over the accident.

A report on "Unang Balita" said George Pacis also claimed he was not over-speeding when the bus rammed into a concrete post along the highway in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Moreover, he said he was also pinned between the steering-wheel and the gears stick and had a hard time pulling himself out.

Authorities apprehended Pacis through the help of the bus company's staff.

“Sa takot niya, as in takot na takot siya, gusto niyang makita iyong mga anak muna. Pagkatapos noon ay susuko siya nang kusa sa amin,” Valisno Express Liner Executive Secretary Vivian Martinez said.

Pacis fled after the incident. Martinez said Pacis wanted to immediately surrender but was frightened at how the public would react.

Meanwhile, Pacis belied claims a bad joke prompted him to speed up.

In a report from GMA's “24 Oras” on Wednesday, passenger Ernesto Africa said Pacis took offense at a joke that Valisno buses were slow.

“Parang na-ano siya sa biro. Sabi po ng konduktor pare dahan-dahan lang kasi may sakit ako sa puso. Kaya nga ako sumakay sa Valisno kasi himod, hindi hataw,'” Africa said.

“Tapos ang ginawa po ng driver binanking-banking po ['yung bus]. Kung baga parang na-offend po siya, na insulto” he added. — LBG/JJ, GMA News