LTO summons bus driver in EDSA Busway crash for using phone while driving

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver and operator of a public utility bus (PUB) that crashed into concrete barriers of the EDSA Busway in Quezon City over allegations that the driver was using his phone while driving.

In a statement, the LTO said it issued a show cause order (SCO) against the two respondents and compelled them to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on May 21 at 3 p.m.

They should submit a verified explanation on why they should not face administrative charges of employing a reckless driver, reckless driving, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

The LTO cited a spot report of the accident on Sunday afternoon, which stated that the bus crashed into roadside barriers of the southbound lane of the EDSA Busway near the Kamuning area.

Because of the mishap, a passenger was hurt while the impact destroyed some plastic and concrete barriers.

Some passengers alleged that the driver was checking or responding to a message on his mobile phone while driving.

LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said they will not condone any act of reckless driving, especially if it endangers the lives of passengers and other motorists.

“Hindi biro ang responsibilidad ng isang professional driver dahil buhay ng mga pasahero ang nakasalalay dito. Ang simpleng paggamit ng cellphone habang nagmamaneho ay maaaring humantong sa aksidente at kapahamakan. Kaya malinaw ang aming mensahe: walang puwang sa lansangan ang mga iresponsableng drayber,” Lacanilao said.

(The responsibility of a professional driver is no light matter, because the lives of passengers depend on him. The act of using a cellphone while driving may end up in an accident. Our message is clear: there is no room for irresponsible drivers on our streets.)

Should the respondents fail to show up on the date of the hearing, they will be considered to have waived their right to explain their side. The LTO will then resolve the case based on the available evidence.

In the meantime, the agency placed the bus under alarm status while the driver’s license of the bus driver will be preventively suspended for 90 days. — JMA, GMA News