The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday issued a stern warning to GV Florida Transport Inc., saying the bus firm would be taking on the entire government if it pushes through with legal action against the netizen who posted a viral video showing several of its buses allegedly speeding along a highway in Cagayan.
“Absolutely harassment iyan, ‘no? Klarong-klaro. In fact, inutusan ko na ang LTFRB na talagang sabihan ang GV Florida, na kung ipu-pursue niya ‘yung kaso against ‘yung kababayan natin na nag-upload, talagang makakabangga niya ang buong DOTr at ang buong gobyerno dito,” Dizon told Palace reporters during a press briefing.
He said the government would not tolerate any move to silence concerned citizens who report reckless behavior on the roads.
“Hindi ko alam kung gusto niyang gawin ‘yun, kasi hindi talaga papayagan natin. Paulit-ulit na sinasabi ng Pangulo natin na gagawin natin ang lahat para maging safe ang ating mga kababayan sa kalye,” he added.
GV Florida reportedly threatened to sue the video uploader for cyber libel after the footage—which showed six of its buses allegedly racing side-by-side—sparked public outrage and prompted government intervention.
In response, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered the suspension of 15 GV Florida bus units plying the Santa Ana-Sampaloc and Baguio-Apayao routes for 30 days starting June 11, just days after the video surfaced.
Dizon said the DOTr will provide legal support to the uploader and reiterated the government’s commitment to protect citizens who report transport-related violations.
“At dahil nga diyan, ine-encourage ang mga kababayan natin na mag-report ng pang-aabuso. Kaya itong harassment na ito hindi natin papayagan ito na gawin against our concerned citizens na ang gusto
lang naman ay mag-report ng pang-aabuso para maging safe ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
“Pag mayroon silang nakikitang abuso at ‘pag ito ay na-validate ng DOTr ay sigurado pong aaksiyunan natin nang mabilis laban doon sa mga nang-abuso,” Dizon added.
He emphasized that public vigilance plays a crucial role in ensuring safety on the roads, and that retaliation against whistleblowers will not be tolerated under his watch.