Bus drivers in predawn EDSA collision taken in for questioning

MANILA, Philippines - Police have brought in for questioning the drivers of two buses that figured in a predawn accident that injured more than a dozen passengers along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Thursday. This developed as the number of injured rose from the initial 15 to 18. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that the drivers of the JRMS and HM Transport buses who were not identified were brought in for questioning. An earlier report identified the JRMS driver as Bernardo Saygo. The incident occurred along EDSA's southbound lane in Mandaluyong City near the SM Megamall. Earlier reports quoted passengers of the JRMS Transport bus as claiming Saygo was racing another bus when it hit an HM Liner bus near SM Megamall. The passengers were quoted as saying the bus picked up speed after crossing Ortigas Avenue. But Saygo insisted he was driving "slowly" and that he slowed down further to prevent hitting another bus along EDSA. Meanwhile, dzBB's Mao dela Cruz reported that the Land Transportation Office is now studying a proposal to limit the bus drivers' duty hours to six. LTO head Alberto Suansing said studies showed subjecting drivers to longer duty hours may lead to fatigue, mental stress and road rage that may cause more road accidents. - GMANews.TV