Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has permanently revoked the driver's license of the 20-year-old driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident on Ortigas Avenue in Mandaluyong City. The driver, operating a Toyota Land Cruiser, was deemed an improper person to operate a motor vehicle after a hearing conducted by the LTO's Intelligence and Investigation Division.
According to Philippines News Agency, the decision to revoke the license was based on findings of reckless driving. The vehicle involved will remain under alarm status as per the resolution issued by the agency. The incident took place at approximately 4:12 a.m. on July 10, when the Toyota Land Cruiser collided with a motorcycle in front of La Salle Green Hills in Barangay Wack-Wack. The impact resulted in the death of the motorcycle passenger, while the rider sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
Following the collision, the driver fled the scene towards San Juan City but was apprehended by officers from the San Juan City Police Station. On July 10, the LTO issued a show cause order to the vehicle's registered owner and driver, mandating their appearance on July 16 to address charges of tampering with license plates, reckless driving, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
The LTO initially placed the driver's license under a 90-day preventive suspension, with the vehicle flagged under alarm status pending further investigation. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao emphasized that no one is above the law and assured that the agency would continue to enforce regulations impartially for the safety of all road users.
Public attention was drawn to the vehicle after videos revealed it bore a House of Representatives sticker over its conduction sticker, with the license plate obscured by a newspaper. Secretary General Cheloy Garafil of the House of Representatives clarified that the vehicle's registered owner was not a member of the chamber and had not been issued an official vehicle pass for the 19th or 20th Congress.
