Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday suspended the license of a bus driver who was caught playing an online gambling mobile game while driving on a video that went viral on social media.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua announced the 90-day suspension against a driver of Kersteen Joyce Transport. The suspension was communicated through a show cause order (SCO). Pua highlighted the severity of the driver's gambling addiction, which endangered passenger safety, and emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated.

The suspension aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to target drivers who threaten road safety. The incident was captured in a video by a passenger, showing the driver engaged in online gambling while driving on the Silang-Dasmari±as route in Cavite.

The driver now faces charges of violating Reckless Driving (Sec. 48 of Republic Act 4136), the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (Sec. 4 of R.A. 10913), and potential suspension or revocation of his driver's license under Sec. 27 (a) of R.A. 4136 for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

The bus company has also been asked to justify why it should not be penalized for employing a reckless driver. Additionally, the bus involved in the incident has been placed on alarm to prevent any transactions with the LTO.