Congressman: Time to 'retire' old buses

MANILA - In the wake of the Florida bus accident in Bontoc, Ifugao congressman Teddy Brawner Baguilat wants Congress to investigate the operation of provincial buses. Baguilat cited operational issues of some bus companies and even road conditions as crucial in road and passenger safety. The congressman is also pushing for reforms in bus operations, particularly the retirement of old buses, driver competence, and other road safety measures. He said government should also assess the status of critical roads in the country in light of recent accidents. "We need to study whether the boundary system is still viable...I am also amenable to some proposal to ban dilapidated or more than 15-year-old buses," he said. ANC HEADSTART, February 10, 2014