NAIA car crash driver guilty of reckless driving with P2,000 fine — LTO

The driver in the fatal car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City was found guilty of reckless driving with a fine of P2,000, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said Friday.

As part of his punishment, his driver's license has also been revoked for four years.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the P2,000-fine and the four-year revocation of driver's license are the maximum penalties allowed under the law for the offense.

According to the LTO, Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 provides that driving a motor vehicle that endangers the property or the safety or rights of a person is considered reckless driving.

"Applying the above-mentioned provisions and jurisprudence to the facts of the case, the respondent-driver committed reckless driving that endangers the property or the safety or rights of the victim, given the gravity of his actions," the LTO said in a five-page decision.

The LTO said it issued a show cause order to the registered owner and the driver of the involved vehicle.

"The driver, however, did not submit any statement to defend himself or explain his side on the charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle," the LTO said.

The driver is facing a criminal complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property under the Revised Penal Code.

On May 4, the SUV driven by the 47-year-old man from Batangas crashed into the Departure West Curbside Area of NAIA Terminal 1, according to the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP).

Two people died in the incident, while several others were also injured. Personnel from NAIA Police Station 1 arrested the driver at the scene.

After a series of tests and medical evaluations, the driver's alcohol and drug levels yielded negative results.

On May 16, the AVSEGROUP said the driver was released from NAIA Police Station 1 after posting bail at P100,000.

The airport's operator, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), has said it was conducting an audit of all security bollards and redesigning departure passenger drop-off areas in the facility following the crash. — VDV, GMA Integrated News