LTFRB to sanction bus firm for abuse of special-needs passengers

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered a bus firm to explain why it should not be sanctioned after its driver and conductor were allegedly abusive toward two passengers with special needs, an official said yesterday.

LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said the still unidentified driver and conductor of the Bovjen bus with plate number TXV-135 could be charged with violating the terms and conditions of the firm’s franchise for failing to transport persons with disabilities to their proper destination.

The agency is investigating a complaint posted on Facebook by Welzki Valencia, who said he witnessed how the driver and conductor treated the two deaf and mute passengers.

He said the two passengers asked the conductor to bring them to Taft Avenue in Pasay City but the driver and conductor made them off at Pasong Tamo.

Valencia said the conductor also ignored the passengers’ cards identifying them as persons with disability (PWDs) and immediately grabbed their fares.

Inton said Valencia tried to help the passengers, but the driver allegedly shouted at him.

He said the two bus employees are invited to attend a hearing at the LTFRB office on June 1.