Jeepney driver arrested for crashing into scooter

A jeepney driver was arrested after crashing into a scooter along JP Rizal at the Makati-Taguig boundary on Saturday afternoon.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive 24 Oras report on Monday, the incident followed an argument between the two motorists. 

The scooter rider had called out the jeepney driver for stopping at an intersection to wait for passengers, even blocking the pedestrian lane.

“Doon ko siya sinita sa kanyang pagmamaneho at sinabing, ‘Pagka may pedestrian lane, padaanin mo yung mga tao, lalo’t na kita mo na walang payong at maulan. Unahin mo muna sila, respeto na lang,’” he said. “Sabi sa akin nung driver, ‘Wag ka mangialam, nagtatrabaho lang ako.” 

(I told him to let pedestrians cross, especially since it was raining. "It’s about respect,” the rider said. “But he told me, ‘Mind your own business, I’m just working.’”)

The situation escalated when the jeepney driver allegedly stepped out and challenged the rider to a fight. CCTV footage then captured the jeepney crashing into the scooter before speeding away.

“Shocked po talaga ako, natakot po ako. Kasi jeep yung aararo sa akin. Natamaan nga yung kanang binti ko, masakit pa rin,” the rider said. 

(I was shocked and scared. A jeepney could have run over me. My right leg was hit, and it still hurts.)

Authorities tracked down the jeepney driver, who later surrendered. He now faces charges of attempted homicide and malicious mischief.

The victim’s family, however, said the driver has since apologized.

“Sabi niya nabigla lang daw siya sa pangyayari… Sising-sisi siya. Hindi niya ine-expect na hahantong sa ganun ang pangyayari na makukulong siya,” said Cholo Bernabe, the father of the victim. 

(He said he acted on impulse… He deeply regrets it and never expected he’d end up in jail.)

Bernabe also urged the Taguig City government to deploy traffic enforcers along JP Rizal to prevent jeepneys from illegally using it as a terminal.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the Taguig City government for comment. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News