LTO-6 Director Atty. Geduspan Urges Stricter Compliance After Fatal NAIA, SCTEX Crashes
By GEROME DALIPE IV
In the wake of two tragic road incidents that claimed multiple lives, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II has called on all regional personnel to renew their dedication to road safety and public accountability.
Speaking at the agency’s weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Director Geduspan reminded LTO-6 employees of the crucial role they play in ensuring public safety through proper implementation of licensing procedures
“Please do your job well. Let us do our share to make our roads safer for the general public,” Director Geduspan said, emphasizing that strict compliance with driver evaluation protocols is essential to preventing road tragedies.
His remarks followed recent national directives issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, calling for urgent reforms in the country’s transportation safety framework.
The President has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to take decisive action to deliver justice for the victims of recent fatal road crashes—including a young child—and to restore public confidence in road safety.
As part of the national response, Secretary Dizon has already rolled out a series of emergency measures, including mandatory and regular drug testing for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and reduction of driving hours for public utility bus (PUB) drivers from six to four hours.
The DOTr chief also ordered stricter enforcement of vehicle safety inspections, the full implementation of the Speed Limiter Law, and the imposition of a 90-day suspension for abusive or negligent motorists, based on reports from the public.
Secretary Dizon also expressed his support for the establishment of a Public Transport Safety Board, which will institutionalize monitoring and compliance efforts in the sector.
“We must get these families the justice they deserve. The old system clearly failed—lives are at stake. We will act with urgency to restore public confidence and make our roads safe again,” Dizon said in a statement.
One of the incidents that prompted these actions occurred at NAIA Terminal 1, where a five-year-old child and a 29-year-old man were killed after an SUV plowed into pedestrians in the Departure West area. Four others were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Preliminary CCTV review indicated the driver had just dropped off a passenger, and there was no initial evidence of intent to harm. The investigation remains ongoing.
The LTO has since suspended the SUV driver’s license for 90 days, pending results of a drug test and further inquiry. The DOTr, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and police authorities are conducting a full and impartial investigation.
Separately, the LTO has permanently revoked the license of a bus driver involved in a fatal multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), citing reckless and dangerous driving behavior.
San Miguel Corporation, identified in relation to the NAIA incident, has pledged to provide support to the victims and their families. Meanwhile, the DOTr has urged the public to respect the privacy of those affected and to refrain from sharing photos or videos of the crash on social media.
