Political will is needed

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

A bus carrying more than 30 people fell into a ditch in Abra province killing five of its passengers and causing injuries to about 28 others.

The day before, another bus, one carrying tourists, fell down a deep ravine in Bontoc, Mountain Province, killing 14, among them three foreigners. Several were also hurt in that accident, some of whom continue to be treated in hospitals for their injuries.

The ensuing investigations have unearthed many reasons that had been said to be the causes of previous fatal road mishaps. Among them are the roadworthiness of the vehicles involved, the physical and mental condition of the drivers, and road conditions.

By this time, government action, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has been to suspend the operations of the two bus companies involved. This is because of the findings that some vehicles are not even authorized to travel the routes where they met the accidents.

The companies involved in the two latest accidents, the Don Mariano Lines and the C.V. Florida are both big ones, with hundreds of buses traveling the northern Luzon routes. The suspension of their operations will certainly affect the mobility of residents in the areas they cover, but is, perhaps, necessary if, indeed, the intention is to inspect and impose proper sanctions in case the buses are found to be not roadworthy.

But we have heard of similar reports long before this. A great to-do is made when deadly mishaps happen, only to fizzle out when the public starts to forget what happened and continue to patronize the same transport means, for lack of choices.

Will these two bloody accidents rouse the authorities to finally put an end to such happenings? So many lives are endangered, and only their political will is needed to correct this.*