LTFRB suspends 2 buses over reckless driving

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended two units of Philippians Bus Lines Inc. due to reckless driving along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 21.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said they issued a 30-day suspension after evaluating the complaints filed by broadcaster Gerry Baja against bus drivers Ernesto Alfon Jr. and Joel Sarrage for racing each other, endangering the lives of passengers and motorists.

The LTFRB suspended the buses for 30 days and required the bus firm to surrender the two buses’ license plates.

Ginez also said the board has ordered the Philippians Bus Lines Inc. to pay a penalty of P10,000 for employing reckless drivers, pursuant to the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

The LTFRB also recommended that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspend the license of the two drivers for three months and have them undergo Super Tsuper training.

Ginez reiterated that bus operators should remind their drivers to drive safely or face the cancellation of their permit to operate for violating Article 1755 of the Civil Code. 

Baja filed a complaint with the LTFRB, claiming that the drivers of the two Philippians buses were “swerving from lane to lane and blowing their horns at other vehicles.”

He added that the two buses were running at high speed when they reached the Tandang Sora flyover and appeared to be racing each other.