LTFRB suspends bus firm for QC crash

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a preventive suspension order against a bus company after one of its vehicles figured in a road accident along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City last week.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the board issued a 30-day suspension order against 16 buses of Corimba Express Inc. after the accident on April 4 that injured at least six people.

“The board will never tolerate reckless driving behavior,” Ginez said in a statement.

Based on the police report submitted to the board, the accident happened on the northbound lane of the Commonwealth Avenue around 7:45 a.m.

The bus – reportedly driven by Junbeth Baron – slammed into the rear left portion of a passenger jeepney and caused injuries to the passengers.

The LTFRB ordered Corimba to ground the buses covered by the suspension starting yesterday. The buses are also to be brought to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Service of the Land Transportation Office for inspection and determination of their roadworthiness before they are again allowed to operate.

The drivers of the buses will likewise undergo road safety seminar conducted by the LTFRB or any authorized training center.

The bus company is given 72 hours to show cause in writing from the receipt of the order why their franchise should not be suspended, cancelled or revoked for violation of the terms and conditions set by the board.

The LTFRB set a hearing on the case on April 22.