The Department of Transportation (DOTr) says that it will not think twice about imposing serious sanctions against the bus driver (and the company) who rammed several motorcyclists at a traffic stoplight in Makati City earlier this month.
The DOTr strongly condemns the reckless and irresponsible driving of the Pitbull bus driver. The bus rammed a number of motorcycles along Antonio Arnaiz Ave. in Brgy. Pio Del Pilar in Makati City on Friday morning, September 4, 2020.
The incident, which was captured on video by a netizen, has since gone viral in social media. Initial reports said the bus, which is owned and operated by PBT Pitbull Transport Corp., allegedly lost control approaching the intersection at around 9:00 AM. As a result, it crashed into several motorcycles that were stationary at a stoplight. There was serious damage to property and at least 11 motorists were injured.
According to the authorities, the bus driver tested positive for illegal drugs in the initial screening test. He is presently detained at the Makati PNP.
Under Section 12 of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, the driver will face penalties of up to ₱200,000 pesos since the accident resulted in multiple physical injuries. If someone died, the monetary penalty could reach ₱500,000. Additionally, since the driver is a professional driver’s license (DL) holder, his DL will be confiscated and perpetually revoked for the first conviction. He is also banned from ever driving a vehicle again, forever.
“We will see to it that the full force of the law will be applied to these erring drivers and operators,” said the DOTr in a press statement.
Immediately following the incident, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), through its Law Enforcement Service, issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the driver and manager of PBT Pitbull Bus Transport Corp. A Preventive Suspension Order will likewise be issued to the driver of the Pitbull bus.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) acted congruently with the LTO, and also issued its own SCO directed to the owner/operator of PBT Pitbull Bus Transport Corp.
