MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for 30 days the operation of a traditional jeepney after a passenger was thrown off the vehicle during a sudden swerve in Quezon City.

In a news release on Friday, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the agency also issued a show-cause order to the jeepney operator, who has been directed to explain why the unit’s authority to operate should not be further suspended or revoked.

“Public utility vehicles (PUVs) are neither built nor approved to operate for car racing. As PUV drivers, it is always incumbent upon you to prioritize the safety of your passengers at all times,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said operators of public utility vehicles are responsible for ensuring that their units are roadworthy and that they do not hire reckless drivers.

The operator is facing administrative charges for allegedly failing to provide safe, reliable and convenient public land transportation service, as well as employing a reckless driver.

A hearing has been set on July 14, during which the LTFRB will also discuss the condition of the passenger who fell from the jeepney and any assistance extended to the victim.

“We will not tolerate this kind of reckless behavior by the driver and will make sure that he learns his lesson from this incident,” Mendoza said.

The Land Transportation Office earlier suspended the driver on Wednesday. He is also facing administrative complaints for reckless driving, failure to perform a driver’s duty in case of an accident, and operating a motor vehicle while being an improper person to do so.

According to the LTFRB, a dashcam video that circulated on social media showed the traditional jeepney traveling along Aurora Boulevard toward Cubao in Quezon City on the night of June 23. After the vehicle suddenly swerved at high speed, a passenger seated near the rear fell onto the road.

The driver initially appeared unaware of the incident and continued driving. A separate video later showed another driver informing him that a passenger had been left behind.