Bus operator summoned over Sorsogon road crash

MANILA, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the operation of three buses of a transport company in connection with a fatal road crash in Juban, Sorsogon.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said a show-cause order has been issued against Elavil Tours Inc., requiring the operator to explain why the company should not be penalized for the road accident.

“We assure the families of the victims that the LTFRB will look into this case in the interest of truth and accountability,” Mendoza said.

Two passengers of a private car died while nine others were injured in the accident that occurred on Monday along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Rangas.

In the show-cause order, the operator was told to submit a notarized explanation of the incident.

The driver of the bus was ordered to undergo tests to determine if he was in a good state of mind and body at the time of the road mishap.

The driver was also asked to explain why he should not be penalized over the incident.

Mendoza said the LTFRB wants to find out if the involved passenger bus had been undergoing preventive maintenance services and other road worthiness checks.

He ordered the operator to submit records relating to service and maintenance conducted on the bus.

“We also want to check if the vehicle has an updated insurance coverage, because we want the victims  to be able to claim insurance payments without delay,” Mendoza said.

He said the chief of the LTFRB office in Bicol region has been directed to coordinate with the insurance company for the immediate indemnification of the victims.

The agency set the hearing of the case on June 1 at the LTFRB regional office in Legazpi City.

Mendoza warned the operator and the driver of consequences should they ignore the summons.