Probe into garbage truck accident sought

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Council yesterday approved the request of Councilor Edgardo Labella to investigate the accident in Barangay Kalunasan where a City Hall-owned garbage truck killed two persons and injured six others.

Labella’s request for investigation was made because while driver Gerardo Lasangue claimed that the garbage truck’s brakes malfunctioned, the drivers of the Department of Public Services said Lasangue’s claim was not true.

Labella said that immediately after the incident, the DPS personnel quickly proceeded to the crime scene and checked the vehicle only to find out that the vehicle’s brakes were still functional.

“Contrary to Lasangue’s claim, a drive test conducted by the Department of Public Services found no problem with the truck’s brakes,” Labella said.

The DPS garbage truck was lent to the officials of barangay Kalunasan because the barangay’s garbage vehicle was under repair, the DPS truck is a relatively new vehicle bought only three years ago and undergoes regular checkup by personnel of the city’s maintenance section.

The north district councilor also urged all barangay captains in Cebu City to have their trucks and other vehicles regularly checked and maintained, particularly those that ply slopes and mountain roads.

Lasangue claimed that he lost control of the garbage truck while maneuvering in Sitio Oprra, Kalunasan, last Feb. 10 and crashed into a repair shop killing two persons.

Mayor Michael Rama earlier said that if the barangay officials cannot take care of the DPS vehicles, the city will no longer lend them garbage trucks when they need them.

Police have already filed criminal charges for reckless imprudence resulting to double homicide and multiple physical injuries against Lasangue.  (FREEMAN)