LTFRB summons bus operator after fatal España crash

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned the operator of a bus involved in a fatal crash that killed a senior citizen and injured nine others in Manila.

The agency issued a show cause order to investigate potential violations of the terms set in the operator’s Certificate of Public Convenience, LTFRB acting chairperson Greg Pua announced in a statement.

Witnesses reported that the bus was speeding along España Boulevard on 11 September, while the driver claimed the vehicle experienced brake failure.

Pua cited that either scenario would indicate a breach of franchise conditions, which require operators to maintain roadworthy vehicles and employ responsible drivers.

“The investigation is aimed at determining the truth and imposing appropriate sanctions especially that there were people who were hurt, one actually died based on the report that we received here in the LTFRB,” Pua said.

A hearing is scheduled for 17 September. The operator must submit documents proving the vehicle’s roadworthiness, while the driver must undergo testing to determine fitness at the time of the incident.

Pua also directed the LTFRB National Capital Region office to verify that affected individuals receive insurance compensation. Under standard rates, injured victims are eligible for P100,000 each, while the family of the deceased victim will receive P400,000.