AFTER FATAL NAIA, SCTEX CRASHES: LTO-6 Chief Urges Stricter Road Safety Compliance

By Gerome Dalipe IV

Following two fatal road crashes, Land Transportation Office Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II has urged LTO personnel to renew their commitment to public safety and accountability.

Speaking at the agency’s weekly flag-raising ceremony Monday, Geduspan reminded employees of their vital role in enforcing driver licensing protocols to help prevent road tragedies.

“Please do your job well. Let us do our share to make our roads safer for the general public,” he said, stressing that strict compliance with driver evaluation procedures is key to saving lives.

His statement came in response to national directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon calling for urgent reforms in transportation safety.

The president has ordered the Department of Transportation to take decisive action to deliver justice for the victims—including a child—and to restore public trust in road safety.

As part of the response, Dizon has rolled out emergency measures such as mandatory and regular drug testing for all public utility vehicle drivers and reduced driving hours for bus drivers from six to four.

He also mandated stricter vehicle safety inspections, full enforcement of the Speed Limiter Law, and a 90-day suspension for negligent or abusive drivers based on public reports.

Dizon expressed support for creating a Public Transport Safety Board to institutionalize monitoring and compliance across the transport sector.

“We must get these families the justice they deserve,” Dizon said. “The old system clearly failed—lives are at stake. We will act with urgency to restore public confidence and make our roads safe again.”

One of the fatal crashes took place at NAIA Terminal 1, where a five-year-old child and a 29-year-old man were killed after an SUV hit pedestrians in the Departure West area.

Four others were injured and brought to a nearby hospital.

Preliminary CCTV footage showed the driver had just dropped off a passenger, and authorities said there was no initial evidence of intent to harm.

The LTO has suspended the SUV driver’s license for 90 days pending the results of a drug test and further investigation.

The DOTr, Manila International Airport Authority and police are conducting a full and impartial probe into the incident.

Separately, the LTO permanently revoked the license of a bus driver involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway for reckless and dangerous driving.

San Miguel Corp., linked to the NAIA incident, has pledged support for the victims and their families.

The DOTr has urged the public to respect the victims’ privacy and avoid sharing photos or videos of the crash on social media.