Deadly skyway crash LTFRB set to decide on bus firm’s case

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to rule on the case of Don Mariano Transit whose bus plunged from the Skyway in Parañaque City, killing 19 people on Dec. 16, 2013.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said yesterday they would decide on the case before the 30-day suspension on the bus firm’s entire fleet expires on Jan. 16.

If proven liable, Ginez said the penalty may be suspension or cancellation of the franchise of the bus involved in the accident or suspension or cancellation of the bus company’s entire fleet.

Don Mariano has seven franchises covering a total of 79 buses.

Among the evidence submitted during yesterday’s hearing at the LTFRB were Skyway’s CCTV footage of the accident and an incident report from the Highway Patrol Group.

The Skyway crash left 19 people dead, including the bus driver. 

Jason Cantil, lawyer for Don Mariano, asked the LTFRB to lift the preventive suspension to give the bus company “financial capacity” to provide assistance to the families of the victims.

But the board denied the appeal.

Ginez ordered the bus firm to fulfill its obligations to the victims without demanding that the company be freed from criminal liability.

He added that the revelation by some of the victims’ families about the alleged failure of Don Mariano to financially help them would be considered by the board in coming out with its decision.