LTO summons driver of gov't vehicle that did not stop at red traffic light

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver of a government vehicle that did not stop at a red traffic light.

In a statement, the LTO cited a viral video that showed the government vehicle – a sports utility vehicle (SUV) – not halting despite a red traffic signal.

The registration of the government vehicle has also expired, the agency said.

The LTO issued a show cause order (SCO) against the designated driver and a representative of the government agency under which the vehicle was registered.

They were told to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on June 26 at 11 a.m. to submit their sworn explanation.

The respondents should explain why they should not be held administrative liable for reckless driving, failure to give proper signal, compulsory registration of motor vehicle, disregarding traffic signs, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said there is no space on the streets for motorists who do not follow traffic laws – especially if the vehicle involved is owned by the government.

“No one is above the law. Mas mataas ang inaasahang antas ng disiplina at pananagutan sa mga gumagamit ng government vehicles dahil sila mismo ang dapat maging halimbawa sa pagsunod sa batas-trapiko. Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang anumang paglabag, anuman ang katayuan ng sasakyan o ng taong sangkot,” Lacanilao said.

(No one is above the law. We expect a higher level of discipline and accountability from those using government vehicles because they should serve as examples in following traffic laws. We will not condone any violation, regardless of the status of the vehicle or the person involved.)

The LTO placed the SUV under an alarm while the driver’s license was preventively suspended for 90 days.

The designated driver should surrender his license to the LTO-IID on the day of the hearing.

The respondents’ failure to appear or submit their explanation will be taken as a waiver of their right to be heard. The complaint will be resolved by the LTO based on available evidence. — JMA, GMA News