SUV driver involved in fatal NAIA car crash released on bail
The driver of the sports utility vehicle that crashed into the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 entrance—and killed two people, including a four-year-old—has been released from prison after posting bail.
The Pasay City Regional Trial Court set the driver's bail at P100,000, according to the Manila International Airport Authority.
MIAA General Manager Eric Ines confirmed the court order to ABS-CBN News via phone call.
“We have to abide [by] the court order," Ines is quoted as saying. "Wala kami magagawa."
The media outlet reported that the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, who's in charge of the probe, likewise confirmed receiving the bail order.
The driver, 47, is facing cases of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, multiple serious injuries, and property damage.
In the morning of May 4, a black SUV crashed through the outer railing of NAIA Terminal 1 and into the walkway near the passenger entrance. The incident resulted in two deaths and four injuries.
The Land Transportation Office has ordered a 90-day preventative suspension on the driver's license.
Upon initial review of the closed-circuit television footage, the Department of Transportation said that there was "no premeditated plan to inflict harm" in the incident.
The NAIA crash came on the heels of the Labor Day multi-vehicle collision that involved a bus, three cars, and a closed van truck along the northbound lane of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. Ten individuals, including four children, were killed while 37 others, including the bus driver and the conductor, sustained injuries.
Following the incidents, DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon issued a department order that requires public utility vehicle drivers to undergo mandatory drug testing "regularly," which may be done every 90 days. Dizon also ordered the revision of the maximum number of consecutive hours that PUV drivers can travel, to four hours from six hours. He also required bus companies to have two drivers taking turns. He likewise called for conducting “real” road-worthiness assessments of PUVs, as well as enforcing “very strict, enforceable, and regular” checks akin to other countries' practices.
