Bus in accident to be grounded

CEBU, Philippines — The bus that fell off from the highway in Catmon town last Sunday morning is set for a 30-day suspension from travel according the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto told reporters Monday morning that they will be suspending the bus after a report that the steering wheel of the bus malfunctioned and caused the accident in Barangay Panalipan in the said town.

This report was made by the bus driver, Glecerio Landero, 36.

“Ma-lift lang ng suspension kung maka-present silag affidavit of resistance,” said Montealto, who added that they will look further into the claims of Landero.

Montealto said that upon checking the driver’s records, there were no signs of negligence recorded under his name. However, he added that he observed that the driver oversped upon reaching the curvy lane in the said barangay where the incident happened.

“Papaliko then papanaog, medyo kusog ra nga dili dapat nga speed,” Montealto said describing the lane where bus ran off the road.

He further explained that there are certain roads, just like the highway in Panalipan, that need to be traversed slowly due to its design.

The LTFRB was also able to verify that the bus was not overloaded during that time.

At present, the LTFRB is still waiting for the full report from the Philippine National Police before deciding on the bus company’s status. As to the driver’s fate, Montealto said that they will leave it to the LTO to decide.

Montealto also reminded that drivers should practice defensive driving all the time and observe the proper speed in parts of certain highways.

It was reported that 10 among the 25 passengers landed in the hospital after the bus ran off the road last Sunday morning. However, no serious injuries were reported. (FREEMAN)