MANILA, Philippines - It would be difficult for Valisno Express bus company to get the suspension on its entire fleet lifted as the unit involved in the fatal accident is not registered, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.
Board member Ariel Inton said the bus firm will have difficulty in asking the LTFRB to lift the 30-day suspension imposed on its 62 units for the mishap, which cost the lives of four passengers.
"Sa tingin ko mahihirapan kung mag-file sila ng motion to lift suspension...kasi 'di naka-rehistro eh," Inton said in a phone interview.
If Valisno's motion would not be granted, the bus company could face another three to six months suspension.
Meanwhile, Inton said the Board will ask the representatives of the bus company to explain why it failed to surrender all the yellow plates of the units to the LTFRB.
"Sa August 18 hearing, we will ask them. The 30-day (suspension) period will not start as far as those not surrendered are concerned," he said.
As of Friday, Valisno management only turned over 37 yellow plates to the agency, claiming some of the plates are still at its provincial offices.
Last Wednesday, a speeding Bulacan-bound Valisno bus ploughed a concrete marker along Quirino Highway in Quezon, killing four of its passengers and injuring 18 others.
George Pacis, the bus driver, fled after the accident, with minor injuries. He was later arrested in his house in Bulacan.
Authorities have filed several criminal raps against Pacis, who has been tested positive for illegal drug use.