SCTEX crash victims' kin seek P130M in damages from bus firm — DOTr

Kin of the deceased victims in the multi-vehicle smashup at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) have filed civil cases against the Solid North bus company, seeking a total of P130 million in damages, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon personally joined the family of Jonjon and Daina Janica Alinas in filing a civil case at Quezon City Hall of Justice.
"P50 milyong danyos ang hinihingi ng pamilya para sa pagkamatay ng mga biktima, pati na para sa loss of income at moral and exemplary damages," the DOTr said in a statement.
(The family is seeking P50 million in damages for the deaths of the victims, as well as for loss of income as well as moral and exemplary damages.)
Other families of the deceased victims also filed a civil case in an Antipolo City court.
"Nagsampa rin ng civil case ang mga pamilya ng iba pang mga biktima ng SCTEX road crash sa korte sa Antipolo City, kung saan P80 milyong danyos naman ang hinihingi ng mga pamilya," the DOTr said.
(The families of other victims in the SCTEX road crash also filed a civil case in a court in Antipolo City, where the families are seeking P80 million in damages," the DOTr said.
Ten people including four children were killed while more than 37 others were injured in the May 1 multiple-vehicle collision at the Tarlac City toll plaza of the expressway.
The bus driver involved in the crash tested negative for illegal drugs and alcohol, the Tarlac City Police Station said.
Earlier this month, operations of the Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. were suspended for 30 days following the fatal incident.
In a statement issued following the suspension order, the company said it halted operations in compliance with the directive from the DOTr.
It added that "some uncontrollable factors get even the best of us," leading to the "isolated case."
"We understand the severity of the situation, and we will be responsible and accountable for it," the company had said.
GMA News Online has reached out to Pangasinan Solid North regarding the filing of the civil cases, but it has yet to respond as of posting time. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

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