Third bus firm probed on mishap

MANILA, Philippines - Another company has been tagged in the fatal road crash in Bontoc, Mt. Province after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) found out that the chassis and engine numbers of the ill-fated bus were not registered to any unit of the two other operators being investigated by the board.

Lawyer Roberto Cabrera III, LTFRB executive director, said they made this discovery only yesterday when they found out that the chassis and engine numbers of the ill-fated bus belong to a license plate of a bus of Dagupan Bus Co. Inc.

Earlier, the board suspended the entire fleet of GV Florida Transport following the accident and after discovering that the bus carried the license plate assigned to a unit of Mt. Province Cable Tours.

The board also found out that GV Transport acquired the franchise of Mt. Province Cable without the LTFRB’s approval.

But it now appears that not just two but three companies should be investigated, Cabrera said.

“We will also issue summons to Dagupan Bus Co. Inc. for its representatives to appear during our hearing next week,” he said.

There were reports that Dagupan Bus Co. Inc. had been acquired by GV Florida, but as far as the board is concerned, this has not been brought to its attention, Cabrera said.

“If this is true, why were we not told (about it)?” Cabrera said.

According to Cabrera, Dagupan Bus Co. Inc. has more than 50 units; GV Florida, 228 buses; and Mt. Province Cable Tours, 10.

Since the discovery was made only yesterday, Cabrera said they would still deliberate on whether they would also suspend the operations of Dagupan Bus Co. Inc.