Bus company owner summoned by LTFRB over PWD ‘assault’
‘Public utility operators are duty-bound to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers.’
‘Public utility operators are duty-bound to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers.’
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced Friday it will issue a show cause order to Precious Grace Transport after a video went viral showing a person with disabilities (PWD) being assaulted by a bus conductor and passengers on one of its units.
The bus involved, operating along the EDSA Busway, was identified through initial findings by the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) Surveillance and Action Information Coordinating Team (SAICT) as Precious Grace Transport unit with plate number NDQ 2615.
Reports said that the driver was identified as Mark Ivan Ramos and the conductor as Francis Sauro.
In response to the incident, and in line with the directive to protect vulnerable commuters and ensure accountability, the LTFRB has summoned Precious Grace Transport officials to explain why their Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended or revoked.
“We will not tolerate any act of violence, discrimination, or abuse, especially against persons with disability,” LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said. “Public utility operators are duty-bound to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers.”
The LTFRB has also ordered a 30-day preventive suspension for 10 of the company’s bus units, all operating on the EDSA Bus Carousel.
The DoTr, through the LTFRB and with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard and its Investigation and Detection Management Service, is coordinating with the bus company’s management to secure full cooperation from the identified personnel.
An independent investigation is underway to gather testimonies and verify the authenticity of the video footage.
The LTFRB also assured the public that swift and appropriate sanctions will be imposed, stating that any acts violating passenger rights, especially those of vulnerable individuals, will face serious consequences as the administration champions safe, dignified and inclusive public transport.
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