LTFRB suspends franchise of 'killer bus'

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended yesterday the franchise of a bus whose driver killed a three-year-old girl and crushed her mother’s arm while rushing to pick up passengers along EDSA Monday.

“I ordered the mandatory suspension of at least 75 buses of Jell Transport that ply the Alabang-Fairview route,” LTFRB Alberto Suansing told The STAR.

He said he directed the operator, a certain Elena Ong, to appear before a hearing on Sept. 1 to air their side on the accident.

Reports reaching the LTFRB said a Jell Transport bus (TZG-943), driven by Mario Villamar, ran over Christine Jumabon and her daughter as they were crossing a pedestrian lane on EDSA near the Santolan flyover. Jumabon’s arm was later amputated.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority records indicate that 21 Jell Transport buses have several pending traffic citations, ranging from reckless driving, discourteous drivers, and violating the yellow lane policy. The MMDA also said one Jell Transport bus had 211 traffic violations but its operator had applied for amnesty.       – Perseus Echeminada