Quezon city: Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao personally apprehended the driver of a Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) taxi who ran away from an enforcer following a reckless driving incident along Panay Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday. The taxi driver was issued a temporary operator's permit (TOP) for reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the driver has been summoned to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the agency's Central Office on May 14. The driver must explain why he should not face administrative charges for the violations, in addition to other charges related to 'Signals on Starting, Stopping, or Turning' and 'Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.'
The owner and operator of the GSM taxi have also been summoned to appear in the hearing. They need to explain why they should not be liable for 'employing a reckless, insolent, discourteous, or arrogant driver,' and must bring the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of the vehicle and its valid franchise (Certificate of Public Convenience).
An initial report indicated that the GSM taxi narrowly missed an LTO mobile patrol when it changed lanes without a signal light. When an enforcer attempted to stop it, the driver tried to escape but was chased down by the LTO.
In a separate incident, the LTO suspended the license and summoned the driver of a Toyota Vios involved in a gas-and-run incident in Quezon City on Wednesday. The driver's license will be temporarily suspended for 90 days, while the vehicle is placed on alarm during the investigation. Both the driver and the registered owner are facing an administrative charge of 'improper person to operate a motor vehicle' and potential criminal charges.
Additionally, the LTO has summoned the drivers and witnesses to a brawl between a bus conductor and several motorcycle riders along Quirino Highway in Quezon City on Monday. Show cause orders were sent to two drivers involved, asking them to explain why they should not be administratively charged. The incident originated from the reckless swerving of two motorcycles, leading to a road rage incident. The suspects are also facing criminal charges, such as 'serious physical injuries,' before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.
