A horrific road crash along SCTEX on Labor Day has left a two-year-old boy as the lone survivor in a private vehicle — his parents, including a Philippine Coast Guard personnel, were among the ten fatalities.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon shared the heartbreaking update in a radio interview over the weekend, calling the tragedy “devastating.” Of the ten killed, four were children. “What happened was truly painful,” he said. “That little boy lost both his parents. He survived, but he’s now an orphan.”
The collision, which involved a Solid North bus, has prompted renewed scrutiny on public utility vehicle (PUV) safety and compliance. Dizon admitted that the current policies and enforcement systems have failed. “The crash is a direct result of neglect. Some bus companies hire unfit drivers and don’t maintain their vehicles,” he said.
He revealed that the Solid North driver refused to undergo a drug test, and that the government will file criminal charges against both the driver and the company. “Driving is a privilege. So is holding a franchise. And if you abuse that, we will take it away,” he warned.
The Department of Transportation has suspended the entire Solid North fleet — more than 200 buses — for 30 days while investigators assess the condition of the company’s vehicles and whether it complied with labor regulations for drivers.
Authorities suspect the driver may have fallen asleep, raising questions about whether the six-hour driving limit was followed. “Companies are responsible for their people. If they neglect safety or overwork their drivers, they must be held accountable,” Dizon stressed.
He also raised concerns about vehicle inspections, hinting at possible corruption. “Do these buses really undergo proper checks? Or do they pass because someone gets paid off? We all know the answer,” he said.
Dizon said he plans to attend the wake of the Coast Guard member in Bulacan, as the DOTr continues to investigate and push for stronger reforms to prevent another tragedy.
