Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II vowed on Tuesday, July 23, to punish the drivers of an e-jeepney and a passenger bus in a viral road rage video that happened along España Boulevard in Manila.
Mendoza explained that as drivers of public utility vehicles, they should prioritize not only the safety of their respective passengers but also of all the road users, especially that what they are driving are large vehicles.
“I was dismayed and shocked by the behavior shown by the two drivers as he noted that both vehicles are being used for public transportation,” said Mendoza.
“I already ordered the LTO-NCR to identify the drivers of the two passenger vehicles. What they did is unacceptable and that their bad temper that put the lives of fellow motorists and commuters at risk should not go unpunished,” he added.
Mendoza said Show Cause Orders (SCOs) were already issued to the registered owners of the the e-jeepney (NHF 6732) and a passenger bus (UVP 490) wherein they were ordered to explain in writing why they should not be held liable for violations of at least four traffic violations during the incident that was posted on Facebook.
The registered owners of the two vehicles were asked to explain why they should not be punished violations of Section 48 (Reckless Driving) under Republic Act 4136; Section 54 (Obstruction of Traffic); Disregarding Traffic Sign; and Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle).
As shown on the viral video, the two vehicles were preparing to leave when the driver of the passenger bus swerved towards the lane of the e-jeepney in an apparent attempt to block the path.
The passenger bus then returned to its lane but the incident appeared to have prompted the driver of the e-jeepney to retaliate by doing the same by swerving towards the lane of the passenger bus.
As a result, the passenger bus blocked the path of the bike lane in the area.
Mendoza said both the vehicles were under alarm pending the result of the investigation into the incident.