Families of those who perished in the tragic multi-vehicle collision at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) on May 1 have filed civil suits against the bus operator involved, demanding a combined total of P130 million in damages.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the bereaved families are holding Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. accountable for the crash that claimed ten lives—including four children—and injured over 37 others near the Tarlac City toll plaza.
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon joined the kin of Jonjon and Daina Janica Alinas at the Quezon City Hall of Justice to file a civil case seeking P50 million. The claim includes compensation for the victims’ deaths, lost income, and moral and exemplary damages.
In a separate filing, the families of other victims brought their case to a court in Antipolo City, where they are collectively seeking P80 million in damages.
Following the incident, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board suspended Solid North’s operations for 30 days. The company later acknowledged the incident as an “isolated case,” and assured compliance with government directives, saying, “We understand the severity of the situation, and we will be responsible and accountable for it.”
Authorities confirmed that the bus driver tested negative for both drugs and alcohol, though investigations into the crash continue.
