LTFRB summons bus firm over PWD assault video

MANILA, Philippines — Following a viral video showing a person with disability being assaulted in a Precious Grace bus plying the EDSA busway, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the bus firm to explain why its Certificate of Public Convenience or CPC should not be suspended or revoked.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said all public utility vehicle operators and their personnel should be reminded of their accountability in the safety of passengers.

“We cannot allow this to go unpunished. The government’s primary responsibility is to protect the most vulnerable members of society, including persons with disabilities… someone must be held accountable,” Dizon told a press conference yesterday.

He stressed that once a person boards a public vehicle – be it a bus, jeepney, taxi, motorcycle taxi or any public utility transport – the company, driver and conductor have a duty to ensure the safety of the passenger.

Initial investigation showed that the incident happened on June 9 while the bus was along EDSA.

In the video, which gained wide attention on social media, the conductor and several passengers physically assaulted the passenger seated in the back.

The victim has Asperger’s syndrome, his brother told TV 5, and was stressed by the sound of a cell phone of another passenger.

The LTFRB imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on 10 Precious Grace buses. It also issued a show-cause order requiring an explanation of the incident.