LTFRB assures help victims of Skyway road mishap

MANILA,  Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday assured that the families of victims of the Don Mariano bus that fell from the elevated expressway on the southbound lane going to Alabang in Muntinlupa will get compensation under the Board’s Passenger Accident Insurance program.

In the fatal accident, 18 were confirmed dead while scores of others were injured. Another passenger of the van was also killed in the accident.

"Under the Board’s Passenger Accident Insurance program, the accredited group responsible in covering passengers travelling using public utility vehicles is mandated to provide compensation to victims of road accidents," LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

Under the insurance scheme, Ginez said the victims are entitled to get P75,000, while those injured will receive P15,000 compensation. Medical expenses of injured passengers will be shouldered by the bus company beyond the insurance coverage entitlement.

UCPB Insurance, which is a member of the Philippine Accident Managers Inc., one of the three accredited insurance groups under the Board’s passenger accident program, will provide the compensation for the victims of the Skyway fatal bus accidents.

"Hindi na po kailangan ng mga biktima sa aksidente ng Don Mariano bus sa Alabang na magbigay or magsumite ng ano mang dokumento para makuha agad ang compensation sa UCPB. All they need to do is file their entitlement to immediately receive what they should receive under the Board’s passenger insurance program," Ginez said.

Following the accident, the LTFRB  has suspended the operations of 78 units of Don Mariano bus firm for not more than 30 days effective upon surrender of the plates of all the units.

"As part of our regulatory powers, we will not hesitate to suspend the franchise of bus operators who fail to meet our strict requirements in terms of road worthiness of their whole fleet. Papatawan natin sila ng kaukulang suspension kasama na ang kanilang drivers na kulang sa disiplina at proper training sa pagmamaneho para masiguro na hindi na maulit ang nakakamatay na road accidents," the LTFRB head said.

The Don Mariano bus firm has been involved in other road accidents previously. In July this year, one of its units figured in a collision along the flyover in Ortigas Avenue, injuring six passengers.