President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday pledged to introduce immediate reforms in the country’s transport sector and hold accountable those responsible for recent deadly road accidents, including incidents at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
In a video message posted on his official Facebook page, Marcos expressed condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “Ten lives were lost in a devastating collision in Tarlac. Days later, two more — one of them a child — were taken in a tragic accident at the airport. These incidents should never have happened.”
He said he has directed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to take swift action to identify those at fault and implement corrective measures.
“We will make the changes that need to be made. We will demand accountability where it is due. And we will build a transport system that truly protects Filipino people,” Marcos said.
Key measures include a full review of the country’s driver licensing system to ensure only qualified individuals are allowed to operate vehicles, and a nationwide audit of bus operators to check their compliance with roadworthiness and safety standards.
The President also instructed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to investigate unsafe labor practices in the transport industry, particularly those that lead to driver fatigue due to extended hours and quota systems.
“These lives must not be lost in vain,” he said. “We owe it to the victims and their families to act—not only with sympathy, but with resolve.”
The pronouncement follows two major accidents: a multi-vehicle crash at the SCTEX toll plaza that killed 10 people, and a fatal car crash at NAIA Terminal 1 that left two people dead and four others injured.