LTO: Driver's license of motorist in QC gas-and-run preventively suspended for 90 days

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has meted a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license of the motorist involved in a viral gas-and-run incident in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City earlier this week.

In a statement, the LTO said it has summoned the registered owner and driver of the sedan that was caught on camera as it sped away from a gasoline station in the early morning of May 3.

A show cause order (SCO) compelled the driver and registered owner of the car to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on May 13, 1 p.m.

They should submit a sworn explanation on why they should not face administrative charges for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

The SCO cited the viral CCTV footage that showed the car stopping at a gas station to refuel. The driver then sped away without paying.

The driver has since surrendered to authorities and apologized to the gasoline station attendant for his actions.

The driver claimed that he panicked and rushed home upon learning that his child was having an asthma attack.

The sedan has been placed under an LTO alarm while the driver’s license of the motorist is also preventively suspended for 90 days. He should surrender the license on the day of the hearing.

The LTO will resolve the complaint based on the available evidence should the respondents fail to appear and submit their sworn explanation.

“Hindi kukunsintihin ng LTO ang mga iresponsableng kilos ng mga motorista na nagdudulot ng abala sa ibang tao. Ang ganitong uri ng insidente ay dapat magsilbing paalala sa lahat na may kaukulang pananagutan ang mga motoristang sangkot sa anumang iresponsable at hindi disiplinadong kilos,” said LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.

(The LTO will not condone irresponsible acts of motorists that inconvenience other people. This kind of incident should be a reminder to all that motorists who commit irresponsible, undisciplined acts will be held accountable.)

The LTO also urged the public to immediately report incidents of irresponsible driving and other violations of traffic rules to authorities for prompt action. — JMA, GMA News