You may recall the viral video that showed six GV Florida Transport buses driving dangerously fast on the Diadi-Cordon road in Nueva Vizcaya. From the looks of it, the buses were racing as they weaved through traffic, occupied multiple lanes, and overtook one another.
In the days that followed, the bus company released an apology, also stating that the viral video was edited to make the buses look like they were going faster than their actual speed. Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Transportation publicly denied the apology and suspended 15 buses from the company’s fleet for 30 days. The drivers of the six racing buses also had their driver’s licenses suspended for 90 days.
That seemed like the end of the story, until GV Florida Transport made headlines once again, this time for announcing that it will pursue legal action against the video uploader, Carlo Carbonel, on the grounds of cyberlibel and malicious intent.
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In two separate statements made on his Facebook profile, Carbonel clarified that he never sought to damage the reputation of GV Florida Transport, and that he will address the ‘fast-forward’ editing accusation in a more appropriate forum.
The DOTr has now stepped in to announce that it will protect and extend legal assistance to Carbonel. Dizon reiterated that Carbonel has the full support of the DOTr: “Para sa uploader ng nagkakarerang Florida buses: Wala kang dapat ikatakot dahil nasa likod mo ang buong DOTr.”
The agency, along with the Land Transportation Office, has repeatedly prompted citizens to report violations of road safety laws and guidelines on social media. The two agencies have the power to suspend licenses for up to 90 days with enough evidence and cause.
