President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed deep condolences and ordered sweeping reforms following two recent fatal accidents at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
Mr. Marcos called the incidents, which claimed a total of 12 lives—including that of a child—”tragedies that should never have happened.”
“Now, we will ensure they never happen again,” the president said in a statement.
Ten people were killed in a major collision at an SCTEX toll plaza in Tarlac. Just days later, a separate accident at NAIA Terminal 1 resulted in two more fatalities.
In response, Mr. Marcos directed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to “move decisively” by identifying those responsible and enforcing accountability.
Among the measures announced are a nationwide audit of bus operators, a review of driver licensing protocols, and stronger labor regulations aimed at curbing unsafe practices in the transport industry.
“Driver fatigue, long hours, and pressure to meet quotas should never put lives at risk,” Marcos said.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to act—not only with sympathy, but with resolve,” he added.
The president vowed the government would demand accountability and overhaul the transport system to better safeguard the public.
“These lives will not be lost in vain,” he said.