MANILA, Philippines - United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidate JV Ejercito yesterday asked state universities and colleges (SUCs) to impose a temporary ban on educational field trips pending assurance on the safety of students and teachers.
Ejercito made the statement following a vehicular accident in Benguet province where eight students and teachers from Marinduque State College were killed, while 31 others were injured.
He cited the initial report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showing the driver lost control of the bus and ran into a cargo truck.
He said the SUCs should not lift the moratorium on educational field trips until bus companies secure proper license and accreditation from government agencies.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the tourist bus in the Benguet accident had no franchise to operate.
He also advised school officials to strictly scrutinize the documents of transport service companies they intend to hire for their students’ activities.