The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Monday ordered the suspension of franchise of the Bicol-based bus firm that operates the public utility bus that figured in an accident with the vehicle of 2009 Bb. Pilipinas International Melody Gersbach in Camarines Sur last week.

LTFRB officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin said LTFRB Region 5 director Marcelo Salud also issued Monday a show-cause order to the operator of the Guevarra Bus Line to explain why the agency should not cancel the bus firm’s franchise, covering 18 units plying local routes in the province.

“Director Salud has already issued a suspension order for the 18 buses of Guevarra Bus Line. He also issued a show-cause order for the operator to explain why the agency should not cancel the bus firm’s franchise because of the accident. The show-cause order and the answer of the operator will be heard on Wednesday,” Lantin said.

It was earlier reported that last Saturday, a Guevarra bus plying along Sitio Banasi, Barangay Pawili in Bula Camarines Sur collided head-on with the red Toyota Innova vehicle ferrying Gersbach, 24, her companion Ronalid Lita, her stylist Alden Orense and her driver Santos Ramos.

Gersbach and her companions were supposed to attend the screening of Miss Bicolandia beauty pageant in Naga City. Only Lita survived the accident.

“It appears that the bus has a mechanical defect after the driver, identified as Wilson delos Santos, disclosed that the bus’ tie rod broke. We also got information that the bus overtook tricycles before him so we will also investigate the truth behind it,” Lantin said.

Even if the 18 buses of Guevarra Bus Line will be barred from servicing its routes, Lantin said Salud assured the LTFRB that “there will be enough buses to accommodate passengers” in the said route.