The families of the victims who died in the multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) have filed civil lawsuits against the Solid North bus company, demanding a total of P130 million in damages, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Friday.
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon personally accompanied the family of Jonjon and Daina Janica Alinas in filing a civil case at the Quezon City Hall of Justice.
“The family is seeking P50-million in damages for the death of the victims, including compensation for loss of income as well as moral and exemplary damages,” the DOTr said in a statement.
Other families of the deceased victims also filed a civil case in an Antipolo City court. They are seeking a total of P80-million in damages, according to the department.
Ten people, including four children, died and over 37 others were injured in the multi-vehicle collision at the Tarlac City toll plaza on May 1.
According to the Tarlac City Police Station, the bus driver involved in the crash tested negative for both illegal drugs and alcohol.
Earlier this month, the DOTr suspended the operations of Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc. for 30 days following the tragic incident.
In response to the suspension order, the company released a statement affirming that it had ceased operations in compliance with the DOTr directive.
“We understand the severity of the situation, and we will be responsible and accountable for it,” the company said.