By MARC CAYABYAB and GIAN GERONIMO
(UPDATED) The lawyer of the Universal Guiding Star (UGS) Bus Line has identified the bus that first hit the taxi ridden by journalism professor and veteran journalist Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan.
In a press conference at Camp Karingal headquarters in Quezon City, Atty. Alex Versoza named the Nova Auto Transport Bus to have first hit the Abu Abbey taxi allegedly on its right side before being hit by the UGS on the rear.
“With all due respect, the UGS was always blamed for the accident. So it’s as if they’re the only ones accountable,” said Versoza in Filipino, speaking on behalf of the bus driver Daniel Espinosa.
Espinosa surrendered to Davao City vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night due to fears of retribution after a P200,000 reward was put on his head, said Versoza.
Besides the UGS, Versoza cited the Abbu Abbey taxi and the Nova Bus as “contributory causes” to the death of Simbulan.
He added that the UGS is investigating the “contributory negligence” done by either the taxi or the Nova bus.
When asked if the bus driver Espinosa pleaded innocent to the accident: “Hindi naman daw siya ‘yung nauna,” Verzosa said. “Hindi na namin pinahaba (ang usapan), only to that effect na hindi siya ang naunang nakabunggo (He said he was not the first to hit the taxi).”
The bus driver was flown back to Manila midnight of May 20, after a delay in his flight in the afternoon due to engine problems, said Police Chief Superintendent George Regis.
In an Inquirer report, Espinosa was taken to Camp Karingal for medical check-up and fingerprinting.
Espinosa chose to put himself under the protection of the Quezon City Police District for security reasons.
“(But) we have a police office in Taytay where we can conduct patrols just to see to it that he will be safe,” Regis said.
Earlier, Regis said the suspect can choose to stay in Camp Karingal or go back to his residence in Taytay, Rizal. By surrendering, Espinosa cannot be held “under arrest” in the absence of an arrest warrant against him.
Regis said Espinosa is set to be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and abandonment of one’s victim.
It has been more than a week since he fled the scene of the crime in the UP-Ayala Land Technohub in Quezon City where the accident occurred.
