PASSENGERS Accident Management and Insurance Agency (Pami) handed on Wednesday, June 21, P200,000 to each beneficiary of the 12 passengers of the UV Express Van killed in a vehicle collision in Crossing Mahayag, Tibungco, Davao City last June 14.
The turnover of the insurance was headed by the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao Regional Director lawyer Teresita Yñiguez with the vice president of Pami and the UV Express Van operator Abelardo Abelita.
Pami executive vice president Rizza Atayde, in an interview, said they provided P100,000 to the beneficiary of the deceased person from the truck.
Atayde said they also provided medical assistance to the injured passengers of the van.
The beneficiaries of the 12 passengers were grateful to the insurance they received from Pami as it is helpful to the funeral expenses as well as a financial support to the family left by the deceased passengers.
"To some, P200,000 may not be enough to compensate the loss of their loved ones. But for me, no matter how much the amount would be, I will remain thankful," said Rogelio De Jesus, father of one of the victims.
Abelita said in an interview that he maintains constant communication with the families of the deceased passengers, assuring them the assistance as it is his obligation as a vehicle operator.
"I was disappointed when I heard authorities say that my vans were colorum right after the accident. It is impossible that my vans are colorum since all were franchised in LTFRB and I paid for the insurance of my vans," Abelita said.
Abelita also said he is currently negotiating with the family of one deceased passenger as to their planned case against him. He added that he has high hopes that he can encourage the family to cancel the case and settle the issue out of court.
Atayde reminded all public vehicles to ensure the franchise of their vehicles before operating as it is one of the major requirements in acquiring insurance.
"When riding a public vehicle, commuters must make sure that the vehicle they are riding is franchised, has legal papers, and insured. No matter what may happen to the vehicle you are riding, there will be an assistance given to you," she said.