The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the registered owner of the tricycle which went viral after it was seen in the video dragging a cat along a busy road in Pangasinan.
The video sparked public outrage and LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza himself could not help but express his anger over the incident after watching the video provided by the agency’s social media monitoring team.
“This is unacceptable and only shows the kind of character that this person has. We will not let this pass and we will make sure that he will be held liable for this,” said Asec Mendoza.
He said a Show Cause Order (SCO) was already issued to the registered owner of the tricycle and that this could lead to the proper identification of the driver of the tricycle.
But while the violations were glaring in the viral video, Mendoza said the driver of the tricycle will still be asked to explain as part of the due process.
In an SCO signed by LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Militante, the registered owner was asked to appear before the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Jan. 20 to explain why no sanctions will be imposed.
The registered owner was also asked to submit a written and notarized explanation as to why his driver’s license must not be suspended or revoked for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle pursuant to Sec. 27(a) of R.A. 4136 in connection with the incident.
Mendoza, for his part, said the tricycle will be temporarily placed under alarm to prevent any and all transactions while the case is under investigation.
He said the LTO-IID also sent an invitation to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to attend the hearing scheduled on January 20.
“This has reference to the investigation being conducted by this office in relation to a viral video circulating Social Media (Facebook) wherein a tricycle with Plate No. 206-WLY is shown dragging an animal while driving on the road,” the invitation sent to PAWS read.
“Given that this case pertains to animal cruelty, we believe that your participation would be of significant interest. We hope for your positive reply and look forward to collaborating in resolving the case,” it added.