LTO metes 90-day driver’s license suspension vs. cop

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s license of a policeman who was caught on video driving his motorcycle through a bike lane without a helmet.

The 90-day suspension was slapped on the policeman after a video of him driving recklessly went viral on social media.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the video showed the policeman wearing his police uniform.

“Walang pakundangan kahit maka-perwisyo ito sa ibang mga motorista. Ang bicycle lane ay nakalaan lamang para sa mga bikers at hindi para sa mga motorcycle riders,” the DOTr said.

(He had no regard for others even if he was inconveniencing other motorists. The bicycle lane is only for bikers and not for motorcycle riders.)

The LTO has summoned the policeman and the motorcycle’s registered owner to explain the incident and to explain why their driver’s licenses should not be suspended or revoked permanently.

The policeman, as the motorcycle rider, may also face charges of violating the mandatory use of motorcycle helmet and disregarding traffic signs.

“Paulit-ulit ng sinasabi ng Pangulo na maging disiplinado sa kalsada para sa kaligtasan ng lahat. At sino mang lalabag sa batas trapiko ay papatawan ng karampatang parusa. Maging pulis man ito, lalo’t inaasahang siya ay tutulong sa pagpapa-tupad ng batas, at gagalangin ang batas-trapiko,” said acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

(The President has repeatedly reminded us to observe road discipline for everyone’s safety. And whoever violates traffic rules will be punished. This is even if he is a policeman, because he is expected to enforce the law and respect traffic rules.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News