Franchise in Skyway tragedy had 'past accidents'

MANILA, Philippines - The franchise of the passenger bus that fell from the Skyway expressway in Taguig City on Monday that killed at least 21 persons has been involved in several incidents the past year, a transportation official said.

Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez said the agency will issue a one-month suspension order against the Don Mariano Transit Corp. due to Monday's deadly accident and its spotty track record.

On Monday,  the bus bound for Pacita Complex, San Pedro City, Laguna fell off the elevated highway at around 5 a.m. and landed on a private van, immediately killing passengers including the driver of the closed van.

"LTFRB policy is immediately to suspend the franchise of the bus company but because of the Don Mariano's past accidents, the LTFRB and Don Mariano management agreed to cancel all operations," Ginez said in a radio interview over DZRH.

Ginez said the bus company's entire fleet of 70 buses have also been recalled following the expressway mishap.

"Even without the suspension order, ni-recall na ng may-ari lahat ng sasakyan nila na bumabiyahe," he said.

Ginez also said he will recommend the revocation of the bus driver's license.

Related story: 21 killed in passenger bus 'deadly fall' from Skyway

In June 2012, a Don Mariano bus rammed onto EDSA-Ortigas flyover in Mandaluyong City, hurting eight people.

Ginez also said he will recommend the revocation of the bus driver's license.

The bus firm similarly topped LTFRB's list of "ten deadliest bus firms" that have incurred most damage to property, as follows:

Don Mariano Transit Corp.
Nova Auto Transport
Gasat Express
Mayami Transport
Pascual Liner
Rainbow Express Inc.
Roval Transport
A&D Liner
Jell Transport
CEM Transit Sevices

Admiral Transport and Nova Auto Transport, meanwhile, are the two companies most involved in road mishaps resulting in deaths, LTFRB said.
 

Insurance

Ginez added that families of the deceased victims will receive P150,000 from the accident insurance.

Families of passengers are entitled to a P75,000 accident liability insurance, while those who were injured will received an additional P15,000 for medical fees.