The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Vince Dizon, has placed a Toyota Hi-Ace van under alarm after its driver allegedly attempted to intimidate a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer by name-dropping an official during a confrontation in front of La Salle Green Hills on August 8.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to establish the identity of the female driver, who berated the MMDA enforcer for stopping her vehicle after she tried to cut in line.
“Once we establish the identity of this driver and find out that she has a driver’s license, it will be subjected to a 90-day suspension. Kapag wala siyang driver’s license or expired, mas malaking problema yun,” Mendoza said.
A show-cause order (SCO) was issued to the large company that owns the van. Mendoza emphasized that this action is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strictly enforce discipline among motorists.
The complaint, endorsed by MMDA to LTO Executive Director Greg G. Pua Jr., stated that the female driver not only attempted to jump the queue but also obstructed traffic and sought to intimidate the enforcer by invoking connections with an MMDA official.
The vehicle’s registered owner has been directed to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on August 28, along with the driver, to explain why the company should not be penalized for entrusting the van to a “discourteous” motorist.
The driver faces possible charges of obstruction of traffic and being an “improper person” to operate a motor vehicle.
“Failure to appear and submit the required explanations shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your right to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” read the SCO signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Renante Melitante.