LTFRB suspends Saulog bus franchise

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended the franchise of a bus firm whose unit figured in an accident that killed three passengers along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

The preventive suspension on the franchise of Saulog Transit Inc. is for 30 days, based on the resolution signed by LTFRB chairman Jaime Jacob and board members Manuel Iway and Samuel Julius Garcia. It covers all 154 of Saulog’s buses.

The suspension stemmed from the accident that occurred on Sept. 17 in the Bocaue-Sta. Rita stretch of NLEX, in which 21 others were injured.

Apart from the suspension, the LTFRB also directed the firm to have all its units inspected for roadworthiness. The bus firm’s drivers will also undergo compulsory drug testing.

The LTFRB also directed the firm to explain why its franchise should not be cancelled after the accident.