“NAWALAN ng preno” is a grimly familiar refrain in the aftermath of truck accidents across the Philippines.
The recent tragedy on the northbound lane of Katipunan Avenue, where a runaway truck driven by Richard Mangupag, claimed four lives and injured 26 others, is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences that often follow these words.
The area fronting Ateneo de Manila University’s Gate 1 where the road crash happened is very familiar to me. My wife and I travel that route, at least twice a week visiting our daughter in her dorm. And that rightmost outer lane where the pile-up happened, just after the Blue Apartments is where traffic usually slows down and the long descent from what is the crest of the flyover. The time when the incident happened is also the same exact time when we usually drive in the area waiting to pass the switchover lane to enter Ateneo’s Gate 3. What if we were one of the four cars or were on board one of the 16 motorcycles on that December 5 early evening?
While authorities investigate the fatal road crash, a crucial question hangs in the air: was this a tragic accident or a preventable catastrophe masked by a convenient excuse?
The frequency with which “nawalan ng preno” appears in accident reports raises serious concerns about its validity. While brake failure can undoubtedly occur, it’s rarely a sudden, inexplicable event. More often, it’s the culmination of negligence, poor maintenance, and systemic flaws that plague the Philippine transportation industry.
The “nawalan ng preno” excuse is a symptom of a deeper malaise in the Philippine transportation sector. It’s a cry for stricter regulations, better enforcement, and a shift in mindset that prioritizes safety over profits.
Understanding the mechanics of brake failure reveals a complex picture. According to Olson Camacho, a certified mechanic of diesel vehicls and trucks, the problem on “aging trucks, is commonplace on in the country.” He said that these vehicles—many re-furbished 10- to 20-year old trucks, converted from right hand drive to left may have technical errors in critical systems.
Many trucks, especially the ones operated by mom-and-pop shops, often suffer from neglected upkeep. Worn brake pads, leaky hydraulic systems, and faulty air brakes become ticking time bombs, waiting to explode. As one mechanic in Manila put it, “Many truck owners only fix things when they break, not before. They gamble with lives to save a few pesos.”
The problem is further exacerbated by the pervasive practice of overloading. Trucks groaning under the weight of cargo far exceeding their capacity are a common sight. This puts immense strain on the braking system, increasing the risk of failure, especially when navigating the country’s mountainous terrain. “It’s like trying to stop a train with bicycle brakes,” explains a veteran truck driver, “These trucks are pushed to their limits, and the brakes pay the price.”
Road engineering in the Philippines has been identified as one of the reasons for road crashes. The challenging topography along the Katipunan flyover adds another layer of complexity. It comes in from a fast curve and requires accelerating up a long but not so steep ascent. The descent after the crest isn’t so fast but is long enough in heavy traffic, can lead to brake fade. If ‘nawalan ng preno’ were accurate, the steep decline can cause overheating and the brakes to lose effectiveness. This danger is amplified for heavily laden trucks lacking auxiliary braking systems like engine brakes or retarders (also called compression brakes).
Compounding these mechanical issues is the lack of adequate driver training. Many truck drivers lack the knowledge and skills to handle brake emergencies or employ proper braking techniques. There is no certification for truck drivers in the Philippines but many private companies, including delivery companies like J&T Express and LBC, heavy haulers and trucking companies, and oil companies like Shell and Chevron require continuous driver training.
“Some drivers ride the brakes all the way down a hill,” says expert driving instructor and race driver Mike Potenciano, “They don’t realize they’re cooking their brakes until it’s too late.” He also said that driver certification should be mandated because of the increase in road networks and vehicle volume.
Beyond the mechanics, a web of systemic issues allows the “nawalan ng preno” excuse to persist. Blaming brake failure conveniently shifts responsibility away from the driver and the trucking company, discouraging proper maintenance and allowing unsafe practices to continue. “It’s easier to blame the brakes than to admit you cut corners,” admits a trucking company owner from Manila who asked confidentiality. His trucking company has over 75 big trucks and 100 small delivery vans in his fleet.
Enforcement of pre-trip inspections, crucial for identifying potential brake problems, is often lax. Drivers may overlook or ignore warning signs, and authorities may lack the resources or the will to conduct thorough checks. Limited resources and expertise hinder thorough accident investigations. Determining the true cause of a brake failure can be challenging, making it difficult to separate genuine mechanical malfunctions from negligence.
The Katipunan Avenue tragedy serves as a wake-up call. While the investigation unfolds, the incident highlights the urgent need for change. The Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 outlines strategies to improve road safety, but its success hinges on rigorous implementation and enforcement. Nothing has progressed in this plan except the launch of the Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 which aims to reduce road crashed by 35 percent by 2028.
“Nawalan ng preno” has become a crisis which demands multi-pronged solutions and a collaborative approach to solve. Authorities must intensify enforcement of vehicle inspections, weight limits, and driver training regulations. Investing in modern braking systems and technologies like automatic emergency braking can significantly enhance safety. Using digital technologies like speed-governors and on-board maintenance apps. The LTO should start to apply driver certifications and updated training, while trucking companies must prioritize safety by investing in regular maintenance, internal driver training and monitoring, and adherence to weight limits.
