LTFRB suspends franchise of bus firm in fatal Pampanga road accident

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday suspended for 30 days the franchise of a bus firm that figured in a fatal accident in Pampanga last Saturday. GMA News' Steve Dailisan said in a report over radio dzBB that the suspension will affect all 10 units of the Fermina Express Line, whose routes include Alabang, Tarlac, and Dau towns in Pampanga. "Yun ho ay na-serve na sa Fermina at sila ay sumunod na sa ganitong order pending investigation," said LTFRB executive director Manny Mahipos, saying the LFTRB will start its hearings on the incident November 11. The official said the LTFRB has likewise directed the bus line to voluntarily submit their drivers to drivers' education under the University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies, like the drivers of Joanna Jesh Bus Line which likewise figured in an accident late last month. The radio report quoted a Fermina Express official as saying they are accepting the suspension in accordance to the law. At least five people were killed and several more hurt after a Fermina bus that was overtaking another vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota Revo along the North Luzon Expressway in Pampanga on Saturday. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV