‘TaRunTADO!’: Jogging to seek justice for road crash victims

MANILA, Philippines – “TaRunTADO!” You wouldn’t expect to hear that from a priest.

“TaRunTADO!” chanted protesters who had joined him.

Father Robert Reyes and the Sanlakas activities who joined him weren’t cursing, however. “TaRunTADO!” stands for “Tara na, run for Tado.”

The protesters, mostly belonging to the group Sanlakas, jogged to the East Avenue office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Bureau (LTFRB) and the EDSA-Kamias terminal of Florida bus company, both in Quezon City.

They called for the fast tracking of the investigation into the recent fatal bus accident in Bontoc, Mountain Province, which claimed the lives of 15 people, including artist-activist Arvin “Tado” Jimenez. (READ ALSO: Tattoo artist Christian Cabardo dies and Dutch traveler recalls Florida bus horror)

They also want justice to be served not only for Tado and the rest of those who perished in the Bontoc bus accident, but for all victims of public transport crashes and collisions.

Reyes said he, too, was a frequent rider of the Florida bus. Although he is thankful that he has not figured in any accident, he is deeply saddened by Tado’s death.

“The government must ensure the public’s safety in all modes of transport, whether they are on the road, on the sea, or in the air,” he said.

“As a regulatory body with the power to issue franchises, licenses, and permits, the government may be equally culpable for public transport mishaps that result in the loss of lives,” the priest added.

Ultimately, the protesters demanded for reform in the whole transport system.

“LTFRB, stop issuing ‘permits to kill,’” read one of the placards of Sanlakas, a militant group where Tado once served.

Ironically, one of Tado’s advocacies was road safety. – Rappler.com