LTFRB suspends operations of bus firm's 8 units over fatal Isabela crash

MANILA, Philippines — The operations of eight passenger buses of a bus firm were suspended for 30 days following a fatal road crash in front of a hospital in Isabela, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday.

According to the LTFRB, a show cause order was issued to the operator of Pangasinan Five Star Bus Inc. to explain why the firm’s Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended or revoked after the incident.

READ: LTFRB suspends 24 buses of North Genesis over Baguio road crash

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Citing investigation by the police, the LTFRB said that a bus driver hit a female pedestrian in front of Santiago City Medical Center as he lost control of the vehicle while traveling along the national highway.

The pedestrian reportedly died while two bus passengers were injured.

“We express our sincerest condolences to the family of the victim. We understand the pain for that loss, and we in the LTFRB would like to assure the family that we will exhaust all measures in the interest of justice and accountability,” LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said.

READ: LTFRB summons 9 ride-hailing firms for exceeding cap on accredited drivers

The LTFRB also directed the bus company to subject the said driver to a drug test and a road worthiness inspection for the eight passenger buses. Their license plates were also asked to be surrendered.

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The agency has set the hearing for the case on July 7, 2026. It noted that it will discuss in the hearing whether the bus firm extended assistance to the families of the victims.  /gsg

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