Marcos mourns death of 12 in recent road tragedies, vows safety reforms
DEADLY IMPACT – Rescue teams attend to victims of a road accident involving several vehicles at the northbound exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Tarlac last May 1, 2025. Ten persons died while 30 others were injured after a Solid North passenger bus slammed into vehicles waiting in queue at the toll plaza. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE RED CROSS)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed that reforms will be imposed and that the government will build a transport system that truly protects the Filipino people in the wake of recent tragic road crashes.
In a video message, the President mourned the loss of 12 lives in the recent tragedies at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
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“I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones and to those who were injured,” Marcos said.
“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.
Marcos said he had instructed the transportation department to hold accountable those responsible and to implement necessary reforms to prevent further loss of life.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to act—not only with sympathy, but with resolve. These lives will not be lost in vain,” Marcos said.
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“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,” he added.
Marcos said the government is taking the following actions:
- A review of driver licensing to ensure that only “fit, capable, and responsible individuals”—whether driving public or private vehicles—are allowed on roads
- A nationwide audit of bus operators and the sanctioning of those who fail to comply with safety and maintenance standards
- A directive to the Department of Labor to crack down on unsafe and exploitative practices in the transport sector, such as long driving hours and pressure to meet quotas
Earlier in the day, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that he would sign a department order requiring drivers of public utility vehicles to undergo mandatory drug testing every 90 days.
