Drivers involved in bus racing in Cagayan, suspended by DOTr for 90 days

Following an incident that went viral on social media on June 8, 2025, where GV Florida Bus Co. drivers were seen racing along the National Highway in Cagayan Valley, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has issued stern penalties and emphatically rejected the explanation and apology tendered by the said bus company.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has promptly issued a 30-day franchise suspension for 15 buses belonging to GV Florida Bus Co. These affected units operate on the Sta. Ana to Sampaloc route within Cagayan, as well as the Baguio to Apayao route.

“Just because no one was hurt, no one got into an accident, it’s not simply going to be overlooked,” said DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon. “I saw the statement and apology of the [GV] Florida Bus Co., and I’m telling them now: apology not accepted.”

In addition to the bus suspensions, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s licenses of the involved bus drivers for 90 days. Furthermore, all drivers employed by GV Florida Bus Co. are mandated to undergo drug testing.

Dizon issued a strong warning to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators, stating that “If you thought the President and DOTr were not serious, you will know now that you are wrong. This is also our message to all PUV companies: if you do this, the consequence of what you did will be heavy.”

“To those bus drivers, it’s hard to lose a job now. But because of the nonsense you did, you will be jobless for 90 days, and if we catch GV Florida Bus Co. still letting those drivers operate, we will have no mercy,” Dizon said as he addressed the implicated drivers directly.

GV Florida Bus Co. was propelled into infamy in 2014, after one of its buses was involved in a road crash in Bontoc, Mountain Province. The incident killed 14 people, including comedian Tado Jimenez.