Driving us crazy

Last week, we woke up to yet another horrific road accident, this time involving a passenger bus of the Valisno Express Liner that crashed into the concrete boundary marker of Quezon City and Caloocan, killing four passengers and leaving 18 others with wounds and broken bones.

Once again, the investigation that followed cast a glaring light on the disgustingly reactive nature of our government regulatory agencies.

First: The bus driver tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, more commonly known by its street name shabu. We suppose he was using drugs to fight off drowsiness. He reportedly had been driving overnight, having been on duty Tuesday evening, August 11, while the accident happened the following day, at around 7 a.m.

Or, the bus driver, named George Pacis, was simply wacko for using drugs and driving a public-utility vehicle at the same time.

Second: Valisno Express bus drivers do not get a regular monthly pay. Instead, they are given commissions based on the total amount of fare collected from their passengers. Perhaps, this was why their drivers race like Formula One drivers to pick up more passengers.

Third: The bus company’s registration with the LTO had lapsed in February. The bus line had been operating without proper registration papers that had yet to be renewed.

Knowing what we know now, it seems last week’s crash was an accident waiting to happen.

Whatever happened to the Anti-Drunk Driving and Drug Driving Act of 2013? I understand the IRR, or Implementing Rules and Regulations, have already been issued. Who is tasked to enforce the law? Is it the LTO, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the MMDA or the PNP?

I am afraid this alphabet soup of government agencies will only lead to finger-pointing and blame-throwing. Who really is in charge? And why was the bus driver allowed to drive in the first place? Aren’t bus drivers subject to periodic drug testing?

What about the Department of Labor and Employment? Isn’t it responsible for ensuring that employees of bus companies are given just compensation in the form of a monthly salary as a pre-requisite for the renewal of their business permits?

The LTO is also not off the hook. Why is the Valisno Express still allowed to operate when it does not have the appropriate registration? How come the Valisno Express was allowed to flout the law with impunity?

This gives rise to the suspicion that government regulators were paid off to look the other way.

Road accidents leading to the loss of lives cannot keep happening over and over again. One life lost is one life too many. These victims have families who will suffer from severe economic dislocation upon the demise of their breadwinner.

The LTFRB has ordered the 30-day preventive suspension of the Valisno Express Liner but I am afraid this would not be enough to appease an enraged public crying out for blood. We strongly urge the cancelation of the bus franchise to show that the government is serious in ensuring the welfare of commuters.

This tragic accident adds to the long litany of sins committed by the agencies under the Department of Transportation of Communications (DOTC). The DOTC cannot go on coasting along. This administration still has over 10 months to go.

The government has to show it is not merely paying lip service every time officials of the LTO and LTFRB are interviewed on TV and radio. Those who are found guilty of violations should suffer the full force of the law, especially if their transgressions result in the loss of life.

President Aquino’s daang matuwid mantra should not be used for drag racing by reckless bus drivers.