Bus driver who allegedly drove drunk charged

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has charged a Ceres bus driver before the court for allegedly driving under the influence of liquor leading to the death of his wife and their daughter and the injury of 32 others.

During inquest proceeding, Erwin Gerson, 42, a resident of Wireless, Mandaue City, chose not to file a counter-affidavit; instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

It was state prosecutor Venice Balansag, who conducted the inquest.

Balansag then recommended for the filing of the criminal case for a violation of Section 5 in relation to Section 12C of Republic Act 10586 otherwise known as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 before the court.

He recommended a P40,000 bail for Gerson’s temporary liberty.

Under the law particularly Section 5 of RA 10586 it stated that it was “unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or other similar substances.”

Gerson was found positive in the liquor test. 

The Ceres bus, with license plate numbers 722 CEH, reportedly had an accident after Gerson lost control.

PO1 Bismarck Babiera said Gerson was travelling at high speed while negotiating sharp turns when he lost control, causing the bus to hit a metal post before it tilted and fell on its side.

Aside from that, there were also reports received by the Badian Police Station that Gerson and his wife, Marilyn, were arguing prior to the incident.

The incident happened along the national highway in Barangay Balhaan, Badian, in the southern part of Cebu.

Marilyn, 41, and her daughter Geralyn, who were both seated beside Gerson, were killed in the incident. The other injured passengers were taken to different hospitals for immediate medication.  (FREEMAN)