LTO SUMMONS LADY DRIVER WHO BERATES ENFORCER, NAME-DROPS MMDA OFFICIAL

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon placed under alarm a Toyota Hi-Ace Van after its driver tried to intimidate a traffic enforcer by namedropping a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) official during a confrontation in front of the La Salle Green Hills On August 8.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said investigation is now ongoing to identify the lady driver who berated an MMDA enforcer who stopped the car from cutting the line of vehicles in front of the school.

“Once we establish the identity of this driver and find out that she has a driver’s license, it will be subjected to 90-day suspension. Kapag wala siyang driver’s license or expired, mas malaking problema yun,” said Mendoza.

A show cause order was already issued to a big company that owns the van.

Mendoza said the move was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to strictly implement discipline among motorists.

The issuance of the SCVO stemmed from the complaint received by LTO Executive Director Greg G, Pua Jr. from the MMDA regarding the incident in front of La Salle Green Hills on Ortigas Avenue.

Based on the complaint, a female driver allegedly attempted to cut in line (queue-jumping) but was stopped by an MMDA traffic enforcer.

This led to a heated confrontation wherein the driver purportedly tried to intimidate the enforcer by name-dropping an MMDA official, obstructing the free passage of other motor vehicles

The company that owns the car was instructed to show up at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City with its representatives and the lady driver on August 28.

The company was asked to explain in writing why it should not be penalized for allowing a discourteous person to drive the vehicle.

The driver, on the other hand, faces charges of obstruction of traffic and being an improper person to operate a  vehicle.

“Failure to appear and submit the comments/explanations as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your rights to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the SCO signed by Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante read.