LTO issued a show-cause order to the driver and owner of an SUV after allegedly running over an enforcer’s foot.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it would pursue all legal options against the driver of a car that hit one of its officials while conducting his duties as an enforcer.
LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) Chief Renan Melitante said that a “show cause” order has been issued against a driver of a Ford Everest who is said to be a “relative of a city mayor in the National Capital Region (NCR).”
A separate show cause order was also issued to the SUV's registered owner, Business Mirror reported.
A show cause order is issued by the relevant discipline authority or his/her authorized agent, outlining the conduct or omissions that are being complained about and informing the person who is the subject of the complaint.
It also requires the official or employee to submit an explanation for the alleged acts or omissions.
The driver and owner of the Ford Everest were called to the IID office to provide a written explanation on why they should not be charged with Obstruction of Traffic, Reckless Driving, Use of Unauthorized Accessories, Duty to Procure License and Duty of Driver in Case of Accident.
The incident
LTO did not give the names of the driver and owner but gave an account of the incident.
It happened on the EDSA busway in Caloocan where the driver allegedly drove over the left foot of an LTO Field Enforcement Division Law Enforcer named Butch Sebastian while said enforcer was flagging the vehicle down for being in the wrong lane for a U-turn.
After driving over the left foot of Sebastian, the driver sped away.
In addition to the incident, the driver also turned on the vehicle’s blinkers and sirens while continuing to steer to the left.
Under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, only authorized governments such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars are allowed to use law enforcement vehicle accessories such as blinkers and sirens.
“Time and again I have stated that the LTO will not hesitate to prosecute erring drivers regarding the unauthorized use of sirens and blinkers, but most especially those who commit violations against LTO enforcers and any traffic enforcer for that matter, who are on the road fulfilling their duties to keep our roads and the motoring public safe,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said.
Guadiz went on to say that it is up to Sebastian if he wants to bring criminal charges against the driver and that if he does, the agency will provide all legal aid possible.
“Our country’s traffic laws apply to everyone. We will not spare anyone from prosecution regardless of whoever they are or their status in life,” Guadiz concluded.
Tags: #Show-CauseOrder, #LTO, #SUV, #Enforcer, #LegalActions