"No More Excuses": Secretary Dizon Cracks Down on Pangasinan Solid North After Deadly SCTEX Crash

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the early hours of May 2, 2025, a routine journey turned into a nightmare on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). A Pangasinan Solid North Transit bus, en route to its destination, met with a catastrophic accident, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries among passengers and motorists. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation, igniting urgent calls for accountability and systemic reform in the public transportation sector.

Swift Government Action

Responding to the calamity, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon took decisive action. In a press briefing, he announced the immediate 30-day suspension of the entire fleet of Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc., pending a thorough investigation. Furthermore, he directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to file criminal charges against both the bus driver and the company.

“There are both administrative consequences, and in the case of death and injuries, criminal consequences,” Secretary Dizon stated emphatically. “For the bus company involved yesterday, pasensyahan po tayo.”

This move underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing stringent safety standards and holding violators accountable.

A Pattern of Negligence

This incident is not isolated. In December 2023, a Ceres Liner bus operated by Vallacar Transit Inc. plunged into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique, claiming 17 lives. The LTFRB responded by suspending 13 buses from the company to ensure roadworthiness and driver competence .

Similarly, in January 2025, the LTFRB issued a preventive suspension against modern utility jeepney operator Carmexs TSC after a unit crashed into a tricycle, resulting in two fatalities .

These recurring tragedies highlight systemic issues within the public transportation sector, including inadequate safety protocols and insufficient driver training.

Calls for Comprehensive Reform

Secretary Dizon's recent actions signal a broader initiative to overhaul the country's public transportation system. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of existing road safety protocols and mandated that bus companies ensure their drivers are fit to operate vehicles.

“Clearly, the status quo is not working. We have all failed—the government and bus companies alike. We must share the burden and take decisive action,” Dizon asserted.

This sentiment echoes the administration's earlier stance when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III in October 2023 over allegations of corruption related to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program .

The Road Ahead

The suspension of Pangasinan Solid North Transit's fleet is a significant step toward ensuring passenger safety. However, it also raises concerns about transportation availability, especially in regions heavily reliant on the company's services. As the investigation unfolds, the government must balance enforcement with the provision of reliable alternatives for commuters.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in the Philippines' public transportation sector. Ensuring the safety and well-being of commuters must remain a paramount priority, necessitating collaborative efforts between government agencies and transport operators.

For updates on this developing story and more in-depth analyses, stay tuned to our platform.

"‘May Side Mirror Ka, Ako Wala!’ — The Viral Line That Just Exposed the Ugly Truth About Pinoy Drivers"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

“You tell me, may side mirror ka, ako wala.”

Motogirl Yanna said what she said — but was she right or just reckless? 

This viral clip didn’t just spark laughs — it lit up the comment section with debate over road entitlement, safety, and Filipino driving behavior.

Funny how one line can expose how we really drive in the Philippines.

You tell me… is it just her?"

In a moment that has both amused and unsettled the Filipino online community, a viral video featuring a female motorcyclist—dubbed "Motogirl"—has ignited a fiery debate on road safety and driving culture in the Philippines. The clip captures her confronting a car driver with the now-iconic line: “You tell me, may side mirror ka, ako wala.” This seemingly simple statement has peeled back layers of deeper issues plaguing the nation's roads.

The Viral Spark: More Than Just a Meme

At first glance, Motogirl's quip appears as a humorous jab, but it underscores a pervasive problem: the normalization of unsafe driving practices. Her admission of lacking a side mirror—a basic safety feature—highlights a broader culture where such oversights are commonplace and often dismissed. This incident serves as a microcosm of the daily challenges faced on Philippine roads, where safety protocols are frequently overlooked.

Entitlement and the Erosion of Road Courtesy

The Motogirl incident brings to light a deeper issue: a culture of entitlement among drivers. As noted by human ecologist Lourdes Escolano, pride and a sense of superiority often lead to road rage and dangerous driving behaviors. This mentality manifests in various ways, from disregarding traffic rules to aggressive driving tactics .

Such attitudes contribute to a hazardous driving environment, where the size of one's vehicle or perceived status dictates behavior, rather than adherence to traffic laws and mutual respect.

The "Bahala Na" Mindset: A Fatalistic Approach to Driving

A significant factor exacerbating road safety issues is the "bahala na" or fatalistic attitude prevalent among Filipino drivers. This mindset leads to risky behaviors, such as overtaking on blind curves or ignoring traffic signals, under the belief that fate will determine the outcome .

This approach not only endangers the driver but also other road users, reflecting a broader disregard for safety and responsibility.

Alarming Statistics: A Wake-Up Call

The consequences of these cultural attitudes are evident in the statistics. The Philippines ranks as the 7th most stressful country for new drivers, with high congestion rates and a road traffic death rate of 12.0 per 100,000 people .

Moreover, only 52% of drivers in the country wear seatbelts, a significant drop from 79.7% in 2013 . These figures underscore the urgent need for a cultural shift towards prioritizing road safety.

Towards a Culture of Courtesy and Safety

Despite these challenges, there are signs of positive change. Initiatives promoting courteous driving, such as the "First to stop, first to go" approach, are gaining traction. This practice encourages drivers to yield and cooperate, fostering a more harmonious driving environment .

Manila Standard

Such grassroots movements demonstrate that change is possible when individuals take responsibility and lead by example.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Motogirl's Message

Motogirl's viral moment serves as a mirror reflecting the state of driving culture in the Philippines. Her candid admission and the ensuing public discourse highlight the urgent need to address issues of entitlement, fatalism, and disregard for safety on the roads.

By fostering a culture of accountability, courtesy, and adherence to traffic laws, the nation can move towards safer and more efficient roadways. The question remains: will we heed this wake-up call and take the necessary steps to change, or will we continue down the path of complacency?

What Makes News Credible? My Take as a Veteran Journalist

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than the truth and clickbait headlines often drown out verified facts, the question “What makes news credible?” becomes not just relevant—but urgent.

As a veteran journalist with years navigating both mainstream and alternative media, I’ve seen the best and worst of journalism. I've watched stories uplift nations and expose the rotten core of systems, but I’ve also seen falsehoods destroy lives in mere seconds. This lived experience gives me the grounding to speak firmly, and from the heart, about what defines credible news—and why it matters more now than ever.

1. Truth Over Trend: The Soul of Journalism

At its core, credible news is truthful, not just trending. It’s built not on popularity metrics, but on verified information, fact-checked data, and balanced perspectives. Credibility stems from the relentless pursuit of the truth, even if it’s unpopular, inconvenient, or buried beneath layers of manipulation.

Too often, outlets sacrifice truth at the altar of virality. But journalism must not be a slave to algorithms. It must serve the people.

2. Sources That Speak—and Stand—With Integrity

The backbone of any credible story lies in its sources. Are they experts? Are they primary witnesses? Are they identified and verifiable?

Anonymous sources may have their place in protecting lives or whistleblowers—but consistent anonymity breeds doubt. A credible journalist makes the effort to validate, cross-check, and corroborate. We don’t parrot information—we interrogate it.

3. Balance Is Not Bias: Presenting All Sides Fairly

Credibility doesn't mean neutrality—it means fairness. A credible report presents multiple sides of a story without equating lies with facts. As journalists, we are not stenographers. We contextualize, challenge, and clarify.

When the facts lean heavily to one side—like in climate change, human rights abuses, or proven corruption—we owe it to the public to report the weight of truth without dilution.

4. Transparency Builds Trust

In an age where AI can write articles and fake videos can mimic world leaders, transparency becomes a cornerstone of credibility.

A trustworthy news outlet discloses its affiliations, potential conflicts of interest, and corrections when errors occur. It doesn't hide behind vague editorial choices. It shows the audience how conclusions were reached. It owns up when it falters. This humility is not weakness—it’s strength.

5. Independence from Influence

Corporate sponsors. Political backers. Agenda-driven funders.

These forces lurk behind many platforms that appear neutral. A credible journalist must recognize this and resist it. Independence means being able to question authority, expose wrongdoing, and highlight uncomfortable truths—even if it means standing alone.

I've faced backlash for calling out both government and corporate misconduct. But truth is not partisan. It is loyal only to the people.

6. A Journalist’s Reputation is Their Currency

As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I carry the weight of every article, every quote, and every claim we publish. Credibility is not built in a day—it’s forged through years of consistent, honest work. And it can be shattered in a single false report.

My reputation—as a communicator, as a Filipino, as a steward of public trust—is the most valuable asset I own. That’s why I guard it fiercely. It’s why every news story I publish is one I stand behind fully.

7. The Role of Critical Media Literacy

But let’s be clear: the responsibility doesn't lie with journalists alone. Audiences must also sharpen their discernment. We must educate our communities to ask:

Who is behind this story?

Is it fact or opinion?

What’s the source, and is it credible?

Empowering the public to be critical readers is essential in the fight against fake news.

Conclusion: The Sacred Duty We Share

In this age of disinformation, credible journalism becomes a revolutionary act.

It holds the powerful accountable. It protects the marginalized. It informs democracy and gives voice to those otherwise unheard. And as journalists, we are not mere storytellers—we are custodians of truth.

I have committed my life to this calling not because it's easy, but because it's necessary. And now, more than ever, we must stand firm, clear-eyed, and courageous.

Credibility is not just what makes news trustworthy. It’s what makes journalism matter.