A labor group on Saturday said the devastating multi-vehicle collision at the SCTEX toll plaza on Thursday, 1 May, exposed the deadly cost of "unli working hours" in the public transport sector.
In a statement, the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) condemned the "systemic neglect" that continues to endanger the lives of public utility vehicle drivers, passengers, and the commuting public.
The incident left at least 12 people dead and nearly 30 individuals injured after the bus driver reportedly fell asleep while driving, hitting four vehicles.
IOHSAD Executive Director Nadia De Leon highlighted the chronic overwork, inadequate rest, and exploitative working conditions imposed on drivers.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the exploitative working conditions of our bus drivers," De Leon underscored.
"The practice of 'unli working hours' not only endangers the lives of drivers but also poses a significant risk to public safety. Safe roads begin with safe working conditions,” she added.
Citing longstanding testimonies and reports, De Leon said many bus drivers are still paid on a commission basis, incentivizing longer hours and compromising safety.
Operating under such conditions not only violates basic labor rights but also constitutes a failure to uphold the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards Law, she pointed out.
De Leon said the tragedy "underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform."
The IOHSAD echoed the call to revisit and pass House Bill 6509 or the Bus Drivers and Conductors' Welfare Act, which includes critical provisions such as an eight-hour maximum workday for drivers and conductors, mandatory rest periods, and strengthened OSH safeguards in public transportation.
“We also reiterate our long-standing demand to amend the OSH Law to include criminal penalties for employers who violate workers' health and safety rights," De Leon said.
"It is unacceptable that companies continue to disregard the well-being of transport workers without facing consequences,” she added.
De Leon furthered that the SCTEXT accident "is not an isolated incident," noting that road crash data in the Philippines "consistently show the toll of unsafe working conditions and weak enforcement of transport labor standards."
She called on the national government to address the root causes — including the normalization of overwork and the absence of enforced OSH measures — warning that such tragedies will continue otherwise.
“We call on the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and our legislators to act swiftly. We demand justice for the victims. Protecting the lives of workers and the riding public must be non-negotiable."
On Friday, 2 May, Transport Secretary Vince Dizon announced all Pangasinan Solid North units are suspended for 30 days, an increased number from initially suspended 15 units.
Dizon said criminal charges will also be slapped against Solid North and the bus driver involved.
The driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and multiple damage to property.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the bus company stressed that it understands the gravity of the suspension and assured the public it will be "responsible and accountable for it."