LTFRB suspends bus firm, readies P1M fine over deadly Samar accident

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has preventively suspended for 30 days 15 units of a bus firm over an accident that left five people dead in Eastern Samar last April 12.

In its order, the LTFRB also told DLTB to explain why the company should not be fined P1 million and have its franchise revoked over the incident.

Covered by the 30-day preventive suspension are buses with routes between San Pablo City in Laguna and Pasay City via Alaminos.

LTFRB records showed the tragedy occurred 6:40 p.m. of April 12 on the national highway at Barangay Bagte in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.

An investigation showed the bus (ADA-1566) was traveling outside its authorized route, which covered San Pablo City in Laguna and Pasay City via Alaminos.

While the bus firm applied for a modification of its route, the LTFRB noted the proposed change involved Nasugbu in Batangas – and not Samar.

An earlier report by GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño showed the bus collided with a van and killed at least five people aboard the van.

5 patay sa salpukan ng pampasaherong bus at van for hire sa Quinapondan, Eastern Samar kagabi. | via @PeeweeHero pic.twitter.com/lnxyIonEPk

— GMA News (@gmanews) April 12, 2015
 
 

Suspension

During the 30-day suspension, the operator is to submit the buses to the Land Transportation Office and LTFRB for road-worthiness tests.

It will also have its drivers and conductors undergo a road safety seminar and compulsory drug testing, and submit documents on the system of hiring and supervision of drivers.

The company is also directed to surrender the "For Hire" plates of the 15 buses on April 20.

Also, the LTFRB ordered the operator to show cause why the firm should not be slapped a P1-million fine and three-month impoundment of the unit involved, and the revocation of its franchise.

A hearing of the case is scheduled for April 22. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News