The deadly bus accidents that killed scores of people in the last two days should remind public transport operators of their duty to practice extraordinary diligence, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda also assured the riding public the government is enforcing speed limits and other measures aimed at ensuring their safety.

"I think tragedies like this fully serve to remind the common carriers that they have an obligation in transportation law, extraordinary diligence," he said, adding sanctions are imposed upon them if an accident occurs.

He said Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has already directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to order the immediate automatic suspension of all 78 units of Don Mariano Transport Corp., whose bus figured in an accident at Skyway early yesterday.

During the 30-day suspension, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez was instructed by Abaya to investigate the drivers and have them undergo drug tests, while reviewing the performance record of Don Mariano Transport Corporation.

Also, Abaya ordered Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmund Reyes to review video footage of the Skyway accident and draw up measures to avoid a repeat of the bus fall from an elevated tollway.

Lacierda also said the owner of Don Mariano Transit had indicated she will comply with the directive.

But he also said the government is bound by law to follow due process before imposing harsher sanctions on the bus operators involved in deadly accidents.

"We are bound by law. There are processes involved which we have to follow," he said.

Lacierda, meanwhile,  said the Palace will emphasize to Abaya and Ginez the need to review the speed limits at major thoroughfares to avoid a repeat of the accident.*PNA

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