The lone survivor of the van involved in a fatal multi-vehicle collision at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) last May 1, 2025, recalled moments after the accident that killed 10 and injured 37 individuals including children.
Jerry Tuazon said that he couldn’t remember anything after the bus smashed into the van.
“[Ako ‘yung] natira sa siyam. Ako ‘yun…. Maraming taong hindi makapaniwala na may buhay… Makikita n’yo ang kabutihan ng Panginoon. Ultimong mga doktor sa ospital hindi sila makapaniwala na wala akong bali… Sugat-sugat lang, maliit,” he said during the funeral service of his family and friends on May 5, 2025.
Tuazon along with his wife, their 8-year-old child, sister-in-law, and close church friends were on their way to Pangasinan for a children’s camp when the accident happened.
After he was brought to the hospital for further medical attention, Tuazon said that he thought everything was just a “dream.”
“Sabi ko sa panaginip ko, bakit ganoon? Nandito ako sa ospital… ginagamot ako, tapos may pulis. Sabi ko kapag gumaling kaya ako, ikukulong na ako? Ang nasa isip ko naibangga ko ‘yung sasakyan at nakabangga ako. Paano ‘yung mga sakay ko? Nagkaulirat na ako, parang totoo na ‘tong panaginip ko?” he narrated.
Since he was under observation, his family and the authorities did not disclose right away that he was the only survivor in the van.
“Hindi talaga nag-sink in sa utak ko na ang mga ito [sakay] ay pinahinga na ng Panginoon… Wala akong idea… Kahit saan ako tumingin, iyak talaga ako ng iyak… Hindi ako nagtanong ng bakit sa Panginoon,” he stressed.
Tuazon also extended forgiveness to the bus driver involved in the crash. He also promised to be an instrument to serve God and those who are in need upon receiving his “second life.”
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has permanently revoked the license of bus driver Teodoro Merjan. He is now barred from driving for the rest of his life.
The driver is also facing several criminal charges, including multiple counts of homicide, frustrated murder and physical injuries.
