Don Mariano Transit execs own other 'deadly' bus firms

MANILA, Philippines - The operators of Don Mariano Transit Corporation that figured in a fatal accident along Skyway last Monday also own other firms appearing in the transportation board's "deadliest" list.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Winston Ginez said in a radio interview over DZMM on Wednesday that the Lim family also operates Nova Auto Transport and Roval Transport.

"Nakuha ko ang report sa ating Information Division kaya po ito ay kumpirmadong pagmamay-ari ng Pamilya Lim," Ginez said, explaining that he checked registries from the Securities and Exchange Commission to verify the information.

Related: 18 killed, 16 hurt in bus' deadly fall from Skyway

Nova Auto led the 2011 lists for most road mishap resulting in deaths, second in the list of bus firms in accidents resulting in injuries, and accidents causing damage to property all released by the LTFRB.

Roval Transport, meanwhile, was ranked seventh in companies involved in accidents causing property damage--a list topped by Don Mariano Transit, whose latest accident claimed 18 lives and injured others.

Read: LTFRB bares 10 deadliest bus firms

The transportation official said the family operates at least 420 buses under the three companies and three other bus liners, namely Fermina Express, Mencorp and Commuters.

Ginez said that board is still investigating whether the Lims are facing other cases due to past road mishaps of their companies.

LTFRB immediately grounded Don Mariano Transit's entire fleet and officials are still mulling whether the franchise would be terminated.