The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s license of a police sergeant and a motorcycle rider who figured in another viral road rage video in Makati City last week.
Aside from 90-day preventive suspension, Police Staff Sgt. Marsan Dolipas and 48-year old Angelito Rencio were also issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) wherein they were asked to appear in the investigation and submit a notarized affidavit as to why they should not be held liable for at least three violations that include reckless driving and obstruction of traffic.
photo: LTO
The driver’s license suspension and the SCOs were signed by LTO National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa III.
“I personally watched the viral video and as an immediate action, I ordered the suspension of the driver’s license of these two people and they would be asked to explain why they should not be punished for that incident,” said Mendoza.
Revocation of driver’s license is the maximum penalty for the offense as shown in the viral video wherein the cop was pinning Rencio down in the middle of Osmeña Highway in Makati City on Aug. 25.
Based on the NCRPO report, Dolipas was driving along Osmeña Highway in Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City on August 25 when he was hit by the motorcycle being driven by Rencio.
A confrontation ensued and it was then that Police Staff Sgt. Dolipas noticed a gun tucked on Rencio’s waist which prompted him to grab it. Responding policemen then took Rencio under their custody along with the confiscated firearm.
Based on the SCOs, both Dolipas and Rencio were asked to explain why they should not be held liable for violations of Section 48 (Reckless Driving), Section 27 (Improper Person to Use a Motorized Vehicle), and Section 24 (Obstruction of Traffic) of the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Meanwhile, Mendoza disclosed that Dolipas and a female registered owner of the motorcycle he was driving were also asked to explain why they should not be penalized after LTO records revealed that the motorcycle is not registered which is in violation of the Rule II-A of the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
He said the LTO-NCR was already ordered to block any attempt to register the motorcycle while the investigation is ongoing.
Mendoza explained that the LTO has the power to temporarily suspend the driver’s license of any individual who would commit grave offenses that compromise road safety rules and regulations based on Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The same power was exercised by the LTO in the case of former policeman Wilfredo Gonzales who also figured in a viral video after he hit and loaded a gun in front of a bicycle rider in Quezon City on August 8
“The Filipino people can always expect swift action from their LTO on incidents that put the safety of all our road users at risk,” said Mendoza. #