LTFRB voids bus firm’s franchise

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has cancelled the franchise covering 24 buses of Valisno Bus Express, an official said yesterday.

LTFRB member Ariel Inton said the board unanimously decided to cancel and revoke the bus firm’s franchise due to “lack of evidence that would prove that they have no liability” in the Aug. 12 crash that left four passengers dead and 18 others injured.

“Had they presented the driver? And that the driver was able to testify that it was solely his fault? Probably I would have decided for suspension or for a lighter penalty because they don’t have defense at all,” he said.

“If only they were able to present the driver at least (and) the driver testified it was his fault, I could have decided for a lighter penalty,” he added.

The bus firm’s lawyer, Francisco Blanes, did not respond to The Star when asked about his comment on the board’s decision.

A few hours after the accident on Aug. 12, the board issued a 30-day preventive suspension order against the bus firm and asked it to surrender its buses’ license plates.

The bus firm’s operator, Rosalinda Valisno, failed to attend a hearing set by the LTFRB on Aug. 18, claiming she was depressed by the accident. Only a representative and Blanes attended the hearing.

The board summoned Valisno to attend another hearing on Aug. 25, but Blanes said she went to a hospital in Mindoro to undergo surgery to remove hemorrhoids.  

In a bid to lift the suspension order, the bus firm submitted the necessary documents before the board on Sept. 8.

An 11-page LTFRB resolution signed by LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez and some LTFRB members states that Valisno has “violated or willfully and contumaciously refused to comply with the proper orders, rules, and regulations of the board.”

The board also said that the confiscation of the bus company’s license plates, which are in the possession of the LTFRB, was made “permanent.”

The board has also ordered the firm to destroy the license plates.

Eduardo Remorin Agabon and an unidentified woman died on Aug. 12 while 18 other passengers were injured when a Valisno bus crashed into a boundary marker along Quirino Highway in Quezon City.

George Pacis, driver of the ill-fated bus, was arrested a few hours after he left the scene of the accident. 

Meanwhile, Senior Inspector Marlon Meman said Pacis was released from jail during his 35th birthday after his employer posted P30,000 bail for his temporary liberty.   

“He was fetched by his wife. He was excited to celebrate his birthday,” Meman said.

Pacis was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple serious physical injuries, and damage to property and violation of the Republic Act 10586 Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

He underwent a drug test after his arrest and was found positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.