DOTr, umalma sa tila paggamit ng GV Florida bus na parang “sports car”; 15 buses, sinuspinde

- The LTFRB has issued a 30-day preventive suspension on 15 GV Florida Transport buses after a video surfaced showing six of its units allegedly racing recklessly on a national highway in Cagayan on June 8

- Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon rejected GV Florida Transport's apology, stating the company treated their buses like "sports cars" and directing the LTFRB to seek maximum penalties against the operator

- Drivers involved in the incident will be effectively jobless for 90 days, with a stern warning issued against operating during suspension. All company drivers must also undergo mandatory drug tests

- The Department of Transportation is encouraging the public to report similar incidents by tagging DOTr, LTFRB, or LTO on social media, assuring immediate action on such reports

A prominent provincial bus operator, GV Florida Transport, faces significant regulatory repercussions following the widespread circulation of a viral video allegedly depicting several of its units engaging in a dangerous “race” on a national highway.

As a direct consequence of the footage, 15 buses belonging to the company, operating on two key routes, have been placed under a 30-day preventive suspension by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The video, which reportedly captured six GV Florida Transport buses maneuvering recklessly on a national highway in Cagayan on June 8, quickly garnered attention on social media platforms.

The alarming content depicted behaviors inconsistent with responsible public transportation operations, prompting immediate investigation by authorities.

The affected bus routes include services from Sta. Ana to Sampaloc in Cagayan, as well as those connecting Baguio City to Apayao.

In response to the incident, GV Florida Transport issued an apology, stating that the content of the video “does not align with our company’s values and standards.”

However, this apology was swiftly and unequivocally rejected by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.

Speaking at a press briefing alongside LTFRB officials, Secretary Dizon articulated his strong disapproval.

“I personally told Chairman Guadiz to seek the maximum penalties against [GV] Florida Bus. Hindi porket walang nasaktan, walang nadisgrasya ay ganun ganun na lang. I saw the statement and apology of the [GV Florida Transport] and I’m telling them now, apology not accepted… Ginawa lang sports car yung mga bus nila,” Secretary Dizon declared, expressing his frustration over the apparent disregard for safety. (I personally told Chairman Guadiz to seek the maximum penalties against [GV] Florida Bus. Just because no one was hurt or injured doesn't mean it can be taken lightly. I saw the statement and apology of [GV Florida Transport] and I'm telling them now, apology not accepted... They turned their buses into sports cars.)

Beyond the immediate suspension, Secretary Dizon issued a stern warning to the drivers involved and the bus company itself.

He underscored that the drivers would effectively be jobless for 90 days due to their “reckless behavior,” and cautioned against any attempts to circumvent the suspension.

“Ulitin ko, lalo na sa mga driver ng mga bus na ‘yun, mahirap mawalan ng trabaho ngayon. Pero dahil sa kalokohan na ginawa ninyo, 90 days wala kayong trabaho. Kapag nahuli namin ang [GV Florida Transport] na pinagmamaneho pa rin ang mga driver na yan, pasensyahan na lang tayo,” he emphasized. (I repeat, especially to the drivers of those buses, I know that it's hard to lose your job these days. But due to your reckless behavior, you will be jobless for 90 days. If we catch the company allowing these drivers behind the wheel of their buses, then we're sorry for you.)

Furthermore, all drivers employed by the bus company will be required to undergo mandatory drug tests as part of the regulatory response.

The incident has also prompted the DOTr to reinforce its call for public vigilance. The agency encouraged citizens to utilize social media platforms to report instances of reckless driving by public transport vehicles.

“Tag niyo lang yung DOTr sa Facebook, makikita na namin yun agad-agad. I-tag niyo ang LTFRB, i-tag niyo ang LTO…Makakaasa kayo na aaksyunan namin agad-agad,” Secretary Dizon urged, assuring the public of swift action on reported violations. (Just tag the DOTr on Facebook, and we will see it immediately. You can also tag the LTFRB, tag the LTO... You can be assured that we will immediately take action.)

This incident underscores the government's firm stance on maintaining road safety and accountability within the public transportation sector.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, the Philippine Senate has officially constituted itself as an Impeachment Court, Tuesday, June 10, 2025 with senators taking their oaths as judges for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Francis Escudero advanced the court’s convening to immediately tackle a motion to dismiss the impeachment case, a move opposed by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Joel Villanueva. Presiding officer Escudero ruled that the Senate is constitutionally bound to proceed with the trial and “lacks the power to dismiss an impeachment complaint” at this stage. Senator Francis Tolentino filed a resolution proposing a 19-day expedited trial calendar, aiming to conclude the proceedings by June 30, 2025, before the current 19th Congress’ term expires.

Still in other news, a TNVS driver in Tondo, Manila foiled an attempted robbery by driving straight to a police outpost after sensing his passengers had malicious intent. CCTV footage showed three suspects fleeing around 2 a.m., with police in pursuit; two of the four suspects were arrested on the spot. Authorities recovered a .38 caliber handgun and discovered the suspects had prior cases involving murder, dr&gs, and child abu&e. One suspect admitted involvement due to financial hardship, saying, “Mali po talaga... Gipit,” while another claimed they were unaware of the plan.

Source: KAMI.com.gh