Accident victims get insurance benefits

CEBU, Philippines - Victims of the accident involving Jegans Bus Liner can still file criminal charges against the company although the insurance company accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) already paid in full the beneficiaries yesterday.

LTFRB Chairman Jaime Jacob said after their 4th Quarter National Conference that the payment of the Philippine Accident Managers Inc. (PAMI) of the P75,000 for the beneficiaries of the victims does not prevent the filing of a separate case.

“The victims can file a separate case. PAMI is only giving them what is due to them. They can still go after the operator of the bus company,” Jacob said.

Jacob added that regardless of who was at fault, PAMI is mandated to give assistance to the victims.

PAMI is one of the two insurance companies accredited by LTFRB.

The mandated insurance coverage for  all public utility vehicles is  in compliance with Department Order No. 92-587 that all PUVs must have sufficient insurance coverage to protect the riding public before a franchise can be issued to any operator.

PAMI chairman Eduardo Atayde, who personally handed over the P35,000 worth cheques to the victims’ families, said that it was not a happy occasion it meant lives were lost.

But Atayde said that with program of LTFRB, the benefits given to the beneficiaries would at least alleviate the  sufferings of those who were left behind.

Last October 27, seven people were died while 42 were injured after one of the nine buses of Jegans Bus Liner crashed into a concrete wall in Barangay Lutopan, Toledo City, Cebu.

Three weeks ago, PAMI already gave financial assistance worth P40,000 to the victims’ families. Each fatality is entitled to received P75,000 worth of insurance benefits.

Those injured were given P15,000 each from PAMI as medical  reimbursement.

Some of the victims said that the P75,000 amount is not enough and they asked LTFRB if they can be given livelihood and scholarship for their children.

Jacob, however, said that the giving of livelihood and scholarship assistance is not part of their program.

“Wala kaming programang ganyan. But we can still help them by referring their concerns to the right government agencies who have this kind of program,” Jacob added.  (FREEMAN)