By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) temporarily suspended and is eyeing administrative penalties against two drivers who endangered their passengers in two separate incidents that went viral on social media.
In a statement on Wednesday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao summoned the driver and registered owner of a vehicle that was involved in a viral video where two passengers were seen sitting on the vehicle’s roof rack while it was moving.
He said the incident is a clear example of not only endangering passengers but also other motorists and road users.
“Hindi natin papayagan ang anumang sitwasyon sa kalsada na maaaring magdulot ng trahedya sa ating mga motorista at pasahero (We won’t allow any situation on the road that can result in a tragedy to motorists and passengers),” Lacanilao said.
In a show cause order (SCO) issued to both the driver and owner of the vehicle, they were ordered to submit a written and notarized explanation of why they are not guilty of administrative violations such as reckless driving, hitching and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
On the other hand, an SCO was also issued to a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who was seen in a viral video wearing a PNP uniform and driving along Yuseco Street in Manila with a minor — the former was wearing a helmet while the minor was not.
He was also seen in the video driving through a red light at an intersection.
“Hindi natin palalampasin ang mga iresponsableng gawain sa kalsada, lalo na kung malinaw na nalalagay sa panganib ang buhay ng isang bata (We won’t allow irresponsible actions on the road, especially if it endangers the life of a minor),” Lacanilao said.
In the SCO, the registered owner and driver of the motorcycle were ordered to appear before the LTO and explain why they should not be administratively penalized for violations, including failure to wear a standard protective motorcycle helmet for the passenger, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs.
The driver’s license is facing possible revocation.
“Ang pagpapatakbo ng motorsiklo nang may angkas na walang suot na helmet at ang paglabag sa red traffic light ay malinaw na paglabag sa batas at banta sa kaligtasan ng publiko. Kaya agad tayong kumilos upang mapanagot ang may pananagutan (Driving a motorcycle with a helmet-less passenger and running a red light are clear violations of the law and can be dangerous to the public. That’s why we’re acting fast to ensure accountability),” Lacanilao said.
Both drivers in the two viral incidents have been issued temporary 90-day license suspensions, while their vehicles have been placed on alarm while the incidents are being investigated.
Lacanilao reminded the public to follow traffic laws, both as drivers and their passengers, and to report any similar violations to the LTO through its official platforms. (PNA)
