By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Aug. 8 (PNA) — Two buses of Philippians Bus Lines have been placed under a 30-day suspension order for recklessly racing each other and endangering the lives of passengers and motorists last April.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued the suspension order on Saturday after evaluating the complaint filed by concerned citizen, Gerry Baja.
Baja complained that the two Philippians buses were ‘swerving from lane to lane and blowing their horns at other vehicles’ last April 21 at around 4:45 a.m. along Commonwealth Avenue.
His complaint also indicated that the two buses that have been racing each other have body numbers 201216 and 201217 driven by Ernesto Alfon Jr., and Joel Sarrage, respectively.
Both buses were also said to be running at high speed when they reached Tandang Sora Flyover and appeared to be racing each other.
Philippians Bus Lines has meanwhile been required by the Board to immediately surrender the yellow plates of the two buses (AEL-590 and AEL-597) to the Board’s legal division and pay a penalty of Php 10,000.
The Board is also recommending to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to suspend the driver’s license of the two drivers for a period of three months.
They also have to undergo the Super Tsuper Seminar/Training conducted by the bus company with proof of compliance submitted to the Board within the suspension period.
The Law Enforcement Unit of the Board, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG) and other authorized traffic enforcement agencies will apprehend and impound the two Philippians buses if found operating on national roads.
LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez reiterated that bus operators should make it a point to remind their drivers about reckless driving to avoid accidents.
“(Or else) the Board will have no choice but to revoke or cancel their permit to operate,” Ginez said in a statement.
According to Article 1755 of the Civil Code, ‘A common carrier is bound to carry passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost diligence of very cautious persons, with due regard for all the circumstances.
“It is clear that under this (civil) code, the two Philippians buses did not comply with their responsibilities regarding their franchise that is why we have to issue the units involved with a 30-day preventive suspension order,” he said. (PNA)