LTFRB suspends operations of bus firms in deadly Makati mishap

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday ordered a 30-day suspension on two bus companies whose units got  involved in a deadly accident along EDSA-Magallanes in Makati City.

LTFRB director Roberto Cabrera said 21 units of the Elena Bus Liner and 15 units of the MGP Bus Company were ordered suspended for 30 days starting Thursday.

Cabrera said that the LTFRB ordered the two bus companies to bring all of the 36 units to the Land Transportation Office for inspection.

The agency also ordered the operators to subject their drivers and conductors to drug testing and actual and written driving examinations.

Five people died after an Elena Bus Liner unit lost its brakes and slammed into an MGP bus while it was unloading passengers at the EDSA-Magallanes loading bay at around 6:40 a.m.

The accident also resulted in heavy traffic flow along EDSA.