IN line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uphold the safety and dignity of all passengers, especially the vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), is taking immediate action on a recent incident involving alleged abuse inside a public utility bus.
The LTFRB said it will issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Precious Grace Transport after a video went viral showing a PWD being assaulted by a bus conductor and certain passengers aboard one of the company’s units operating along the EDSA Busway.
Based on initial findings by the DOTr’s Surveillance and Action Information Coordinating Team (SAICT), the unit involved belongs to Precious Grace Transport with plate number NDQ 2615.
The bus driver was identified as Mark Ivan Ramos while the conductor is Francis Sauro.
Following the President’s directive to protect vulnerable commuters and ensure accountability among public utility operators, the LTFRB has summoned the officials of Precious Grace Transport to explain why their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or revoked.
“We will not tolerate any act of violence, discrimination, or abuse, especially against persons with disability. Public utility operators are duty-bound to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers,” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III stressed.
The LTFRB also ordered a 30-day preventive suspension against 10 bus units of the company. These buses are operating in the EDSA Bus Carousel.
The DOTr, through the LTFRB and with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and SAICT and Coast Guard-Investigation and Detection Management Service (CG-IDMS), is now coordinating with the bus company’s management to secure full cooperation from the identified personnel.
An independent investigation is underway to gather testimonies and verify the authenticity of the video footage.
The LTFRB assures the public that swift and appropriate sanctions will be imposed.
The agency said any acts that violate the rights of passengers, especially those most vulnerable, will face serious consequences, as the administration continues to champion safe, dignified, and inclusive public transport for all.
