Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended a bus company following a road crash that involved two of its buses in Tuba, Benguet over the weekend. In a statement on Monday, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II ordered Victory Liner, Inc. - the owner and operator of the two buses - to explain why its franchise should not be suspended or revoked over the incident.

According to Philippines News Agency, a police report detailed that a Victory Liner bus experienced mechanical problems while heading to La Union, subsequently colliding with another Victory Liner bus and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) before hitting a concrete barrier and overturning. The incident resulted in injuries to approximately 90 people, with some discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries, while others remain hospitalized.

LTFRB Chair Mendoza expressed the board's expectation for full compliance from Victory Liner, emphasizing that a show-cause order has been issued. Mendoza has directed the LTFRB Regional Office to ensure the injured passengers receive necessary medical attention and is coordinating with Victory Liner and their insurance provider to facilitate timely insurance payouts for those affected.

In a separate incident, Mendoza summoned the operator of a passenger bus involved in a fatal crash in Quezon City. The crash, which occurred on May 29, resulted in the death of a senior citizen and injuries to 21 passengers after a 997 Sandigan Transport Service Coop. bus ran a red light and was hit by an armored vehicle. Following the police investigation that suggested reckless driving, the operator received a 30-day preventive suspension, and the driver was asked to provide an explanation.