License of some drivers involved in viral bus racing revoked

Metro Manila, Philippines - The licenses of three of six drivers in the viral bus race on a national highway have been revoked, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

The drivers of the GV Florida Transport bus skipped the inquiry of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday, June 13.

In a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the bus company has yet to surrender the names of the other three drivers.

“We are demanding them to give up those drivers. Kung hindi mas bibigyan pa natin ng penalty sa buong company nila kung hindi nila gagawin,” he said.

[Translation: We are demanding them to give up those drivers, otherwise we will impose even more penalties on their entire company if they don't comply.]

The secretary said the LTO may be forced to cancel the registration of the six buses if the company fails to identify other drivers until Monday, June 16.

Dizon earlier suspended 15 units of the bus line or those plying the routes of Santa Ana, Cagayan-Sampaloc, Manila and Baguio-Apayao for 30 days.

The suspension of GV Florida buses followed the suspension of Pangasinan Solid North Transit, the bus operator behind the fatal multiple collision on Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in May.

Meanwhile, Dizon said authorities are still investigating whether the video speed was intentionally adjusted, as claimed by the bus line.

GV Florida previously apologized for the incident and said it is “addressing the matter internally” assuring that the “safety and well-being of our passengers is our top priority.” Dizon did not accept the apology.