LTFRB suspends eight Autobus units for 30 days

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) slapped a 30-day preventive suspension on eight units of the Cebu Autobus company after one of its buses  figured in an accident in Bogo City recently that killed three passengers.

The bus that figured in the fatal accident shared the same franchise as the other seven included in the suspension order.

The bus in question was traveling from Daanbantayan bound for Cebu City when it collided head on with the Toyota Altis Rosacena was driving at 2 a.m. last Monday.

LTFRB 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said the suspension, which took effect yesterday, is “more of a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the riding public.”

“While the Metro Cebu Autobus Corp. may not be the primary party to the accident, we are not taking chances to ensure passenger safety. Which is why we very much appreciate the bus company’s cooperation and support to our moves, inasmuch as they also want to show their commitment to safety,” said Cuizon.

Those who came were Alfonso Corominas III, general manager of the bus company, and legal counsel Joel Chavez.

The LTFRB director further said that the bus company accepted and respected the LTFRB order.

“They promised to comply with our requirements,” Cuizon added.

The police, in its investigation, have ruled that it was the fault of car driver Jose Rosacena that the accident happened, not of bus driver Aldrin Presbitero.

aNevertheless, being the driver of the bus, Presbitero has responsibility for his passenger, said Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador, Jr.

“Kung mag-driver ka sa bus, bale kontrata na man gud na nga imong dalhon ang imong pasahero sa iyang destination safely,” Comendador said. (A bus driver must take his passengers safely to their destinations.)

Comendaor said criminal charges will be filed against the bus driver, who is still detained at the detention cell in Bogo City Police Station.

Rosacena landed at the hospital for the wounds he sustained during the crash.

Police said Rosacena was at fault because he encroached on the center line of the highway while Presbitero was driving on a normal speed based on the accounts of his passengers.

Passengers Juan Baydal, 50; Roy Tampus, 37; and Dennis Gasig, 36; all from San Remigio town, died in that accident and 36 others were injured including the two drivers.

The Land Transportation Office 7 is working closely with the LTFRB 7 in investigating the road accident involving Cebu Autobus Lines in Bogo City.

At the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday, LTO 7 Director Raul Aguilos said they are waiting for the schedule of LTFRB as to the conduct of road worthiness test of the vehicles.

Aguilos said they will also conduct drug testing on the drivers together with a lecture.

He is hoping these activities would be conducted by both the LTO and the LTFRB within the week starting today.—  Marigold P. Lebumfacil, Niña G. Sumacot and Gregg M. Rubio/JPM (FREEMAN)