Counterflowing driver on EDSA slapped with show-cause order

The driver caught on video counterflowing along EDSA Avenue was issued a show-cause order by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), according to a report by Cedric Castillo on 24 Oras on Thursday.

"May show-cause order na. Counterflow is a reckless violation for us. Pero usually kasi kapag ganyan seldom do we consider yung mga reasons unless, of course, very very valid reasons," Officer-in-Charge Bob Valera said.

"Based on what we saw doon sa video, parang hindi siya- hindi nagmamadali eh. Parang gusto lang niya pumasok sa isang subdivision or something," he added.

In the video, the car who counterflowed went head-to-head with the car who caught the incident on dashcam. Though both vehicles paused for a few seconds, the car with the camera ended up giving way to the driver going the wrong way.

The dashcam video allowed authorities to identify the plate number of the vehicle and the owner under which it was registered.

The driver may be fined P2,000.

The LTO also warned drivers that their license may be canceled once they commit four violations.

"So if you are holder of a non-professional driver's license, two years revocation. If you are a holder of a professional driver's license, perpetual revocation. That means, habang buhay hindi ka na makapag-drive," Valera said.

The hearing was set on December 17 at 10 a.m. The LTO will issue another show-cause order should the owner of the car not show up.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Makati Police also appeared before LTO to investigate the case.

According to the MMDA, counterflowing on EDSA is disallowed even in cases of emergency.

"Pwede ma-head on 'yan eh. Kung ikaw ordinaryong motorista alam mo ang EDSA ay paganon lang, biglang may kasalubong ka, pano kung di ko napansin? Ambulansya nga hindi nagka-counterflow sa edsa pa," MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said.

MMDA will confiscate and suspend the license for three months of any driver caught counterflowing. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News