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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Wala sa hulog': LTO summons owner, places SUV under alarm over 'blinding' rear-mounted light bar

'Wala sa hulog': LTO summons owner, places SUV under alarm over 'blinding' rear-mounted light bar

Published Aug 3, 2025 02:54 pm
photo: LTO
photo: LTO
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) placed under alarm a sports utility vehicle (SUV) over the installation of unauthorized rear-mounted light bar following a video that went viral on social media.
LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the registered owner of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the viral video was also asked to bringt the vehicle to the agency’s Central Office in Quezon City as part of the investigation.
“We already issued a show cause order against the registered owner of the vehicle wherein he was also advised to surrender the license of the driver using the car at the time of the incident,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza explained that the concerns raised by netizens in the viral video of the incident are valid as the rear-mounted light bar could indeed affect the visibility of the motorists tailing the vehicle especially during nighttime.
Based on the initial investigation of the LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division headed by Renante Melitante, the presence of the rear-mounted light bars caused sudden braking among motorists who were blinded by the glaring lights.
“We don’t know why the owner would put this kind of accessory in the car that will certainly cause inconvenience to fellow motorists. This kind of accessory is illegal and could compromise road safety, especially at night,” said Mendoza.
He said the investigation is also aimed at identifying the driver through the SCO issued to the registered owner.
Both the registered owner and the driver were asked to explain why they should not be administratively charged for violating the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 96 (penalized under Item II (d) of Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01), and Republic Act No. 4136, particularly Section 48 (Reckless Driving) and for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle (Section 27.a) in relation to the above incident.
“Failure to appear and submit the written comment/ explanation as required 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,” the SCO read.
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