LTO summons driver who berated enforcer

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner of a van and its driver, a woman, who was caught on video berating a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer and name-dropping an official during a confrontation outside La Salle Green Hills in San Juan City.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II confirmed that a show cause order (SCO) was issued against the registered owner of the white Toyota Hiace, after the driver was flagged for allegedly cutting the line of vehicles along Ortigas Avenue on August 8., This news data comes from:http://itolg.771bg.com

“Once we establish the identity of this driver and find out that she has a valid driver’s license, it will be subjected to a 90-day suspension. If she has no license or if it’s expired, that’s a much bigger problem,” Mendoza said.

The SCO directed the company that owns the vehicle to appear before the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on August 28 with the driver, and explain in writing why it should not be penalized for allowing her to operate the van. Failure to comply will be considered a waiver of the right to be heard, the order warned.

The complaint was endorsed to the LTO by MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, who noted that despite the driver’s attempt to intimidate the traffic enforcer by name-dropping, the officer stood firm in enforcing traffic rules. The driver has been cited under the No Contact Apprehension Policy for obstruction.

If found liable, the driver may face charges of obstruction and sanctions ranging from fines to suspension or even revocation of her driver’s license, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Artes reminded motorists, particularly parents and school service drivers, to respect traffic enforcers and the queuing system near schools to avoid worsening congestion and ensure student safety.