LTO summons viral jeepney driver in Marikina checkpoint evasion
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday, June 16, issued a Show Cause Order to the driver and owner of a jeepney caught in a viral video evading a checkpoint in Marikina City, citing risks to passengers, motorists, and pedestrians.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues a show cause order to a jeepney driver involved in a viral Marikina checkpoint evasion. (Photo from LTO)
The LTO said the jeepney driver was apprehended after allegedly failing to stop when flagged down by enforcers and continuing to drive despite having passengers on board.
“This put not only the passengers at risk but also other motorists and pedestrians in the area. The vehicle was eventually intercepted by enforcers and subjected to inspection,” the LTO said.
It said that after the inspection and verification, a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) was immediately issued to the driver due to multiple violations discovered.
Authorities said the driver could not present a valid driver's license and failed to produce the Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) of the vehicle. They also noted that the vehicle had defective brake lights and a non-functioning handbrake.
The LTO said these issues are considered serious road safety hazards. The vehicle is now impounded at the LTO Central Office for proper disposition.
The issued SCO requires both the driver and the registered owner to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the LTO Central Office and submit their explanation regarding the incident.
The registered owner may also be held liable for employing a reckless driver and breach of franchise in connection with the incident, the agency added.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa mga lumalabag sa mga regulasyon sa lansangan (We will continue to strengthen the enforcement of laws against violators of road regulations),” LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said.
“Inaasahan natin na ang mga driver ng pampasaherong sasakyan ay magiging responsable at susunod sa mga umiiral na alituntunin para sa kapakanan ng kanilang mga pasahero at ng publiko (We expect public utility vehicle drivers to be responsible and comply with existing rules for the safety of their passengers and the public)," Lacanilao added.
The LTO reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of traffic laws and emphasized the importance of proper performance among its enforcers to ensure road safety.