A VIDEO showing a man believed to be a person with disability (PWD) being punched, kicked, and choked inside a moving bus on EDSA has drawn public outrage and gone viral on social media.
The 1-minute and 30-second video, uploaded on June 10, shows the victim, wearing a white shirt, seated at the rear of the bus, screaming “tama na!” while biting onto a piece of cloth.
Moments later, another male passenger can be seen kicking the PWD in the face and repeatedly punching him. The victim tries to fend off the attack with his hands while groaning in pain. Other passengers also joined in the assault.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the bus belongs to Precious Grace Transport and bears the plate number NDQ 2615.
“The LTFRB has summoned the officials of Precious Grace Transport to explain why their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or revoked,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III on Friday, June 13.
According to the agency, the conductor and some passengers were allegedly involved in beating the man. The reason behind the assault remains unclear.
An independent investigation is ongoing to gather witness accounts and verify the viral footage, which has already gained over 11 million views, 58,000 reactions, and 25,000 comments, most of them condemning the abuse of a man believed to have a mental disability.
Guadiz said the LTFRB would not tolerate any form of violence, discrimination, or abuse, especially against PWDs.
Aside from a show cause order, the LTFRB also issued a 30-day preventive suspension on 10 units of the bus company, all of which ply the EDSA Bus Carousel route.
