Tacloban: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday suspended the license of a public utility vehicle (PUV) driver involved in a road crash in Tacloban City that took the lives of two passengers and caused several injuries.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, stated that a show cause order (SCO) was issued by LTO 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director Ledwino Macariola against the driver. This action aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to address erring motorists.

The driver received a 90-day preventive suspension on his driver's license and was requested to explain why it should not be revoked due to reckless driving and being considered an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

The LTO investigation revealed that the incident occurred on Airport Road in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City, when the PUV crashed into a lamp post at the center island of the road. The crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to several others. Instead of providing assistance, the driver fled the scene.

Director Macariola emphasized that the driver's decision to flee is punishable under Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. The show cause order requires the driver to respond in writing within 10 days, explaining why his driver's license should not be canceled or revoked, and why appropriate fines and penalties should not be imposed for his vicarious liability arising from the incident.