Valisno bus ‘colorum,’ driver on drugs

MANILA, Philippines - A Valisno Transit bus involved in a vehicular accident that left four persons dead and injured 18 others in Quezon City was a “colorum” or unregistered public utility vehicle, an official said yesterday.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) member Ariel Inton said the Valisno bus (TXV-715) was found to be unregistered, based on the initial findings of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Meanwhile, bus driver George Pacis tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, better known as shabu, when he underwent a drug test at around 9 p.m. Wednesday,  some hours after he fled the scene of the accident.

Senior Inspector Marlon Meman said Pacis will also be charged with violating Republic Act 10586, which penalizes drunk and drugged driving.

Police earlier said Pacis will be charged with reckless driving resulting in damage to property with multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries and violating Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code (abandoning a person in danger or one’s own victim).

Pacis admitted to taking drugs if he is offered some and the last time he had a fix was last weekend, Chief Superintendent Ely Pintang said.

Inton said the Valisno unit was able to operate as an “ordinary” bus, meaning it is not air-conditioned, even if it was not registered.

A hearing was set on Aug. 18.

The LTFRB handed over the suspension order to the operator of Valisno Transit yesterday morning, but at least two provincial buses were able to ply their routes before the suspension order was received.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the registration of the bus that figured in the accident expired last February.

“There were efforts to register, but as of this time it is not registered so this can be considered unregistered and colorum,” he said.

He added that a P150,000 financial assistance will also be given to the families of the victims.