By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of a driver and summoned the owner of the truck involved in a crash in Mabitac, Laguna that killed one person and injured two others.
In a statement on Tuesday, LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the crash killed a 65-year-old fruit vendor after the truck lost its brakes while traveling along the Mabitac National Highway on Aug. 29.
Both the driver and the owner of the truck were summoned to explain why they should not be penalized over the incident, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to implement road safety measures.
“This is the reason why we have been strict and aggressive in our enforcement of existing laws involving trucks. From having worn-out tires to overloading, we have been conducting surprise inspections to ensure that these people comply with road safety rules and regulations,” Mendoza said.
During the first half of 2025, he said more than 9,000 trucks were apprehended nationwide for overloading, in addition to hundreds more that were penalized for worn-out tires and other violations.
Based on initial investigation, the truck crashed into a house after losing its brakes, with the driver seen jumping out of the truck in a video that has since gone viral on social media.
In the show cause order (SCO) signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Renante Melitante, the driver was asked to explain why he should not be penalized for charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
On the other hand, the SCO sent to the truck owner asking them to explain why they should not be sanctioned for employing a reckless driver.
The owner was also asked to show proof that the truck had undergone roadworthiness maintenance and inspection.
To date, the truck has been placed on alarm, while the driver was asked to surrender his license for the start of the 90-day suspension pending the result of the investigation. (PNA)
