Following a tragic road crash on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) yesterday involving a Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc. bus, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon convened a meeting with bus companies today, forcefully reiterating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unequivocal directives for prioritizing commuter safety and convenience.
Secretary Dizon emphasized the severe repercussions that would follow the incident, which resulted in fatalities and injuries to both motorists and passengers. He announced that he had instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to initiate criminal charges against both the bus driver and the involved bus company.
“There are administrative consequences, and in cases involving death and injuries, criminal consequences will be pursued,” Secretary Dizon stated firmly. Addressing the Pangasinan Solid North Bus incident directly, he added, “Pasensyahan po tayo. I have directed the relevant officials to file the necessary criminal charges against the bus company and the driver involved in yesterday’s accident.”
Furthermore, Secretary Dizon announced the immediate 30-day suspension of the entire fleet of Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc. to facilitate a thorough ongoing investigation into the crash.
In a decisive move to prevent future tragedies, the Transportation Secretary mandated a comprehensive review of existing road safety protocols. He also directed all bus companies to rigorously ensure that their drivers are fully fit and capable of operating public transport vehicles safely.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for systemic change, Secretary Dizon stated, “Clearly, the status quo is not working. We have all failed – the government and bus companies alike. We have failed the commuting public, and we must collectively shoulder the responsibility and take meaningful action to rectify this.”
