LTO summons owner of motorbike in viral parking video
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday summoned the registered owner of a motorcycle that was caught on video parked in the middle of a busy road in Antipolo City, which drew outrage from netizens.
In a statement, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza expressed disbelief over the incident, emphasizing both the need for accountability and due process.
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“Talagang mapapailing ka na lang na may mga motoristang ganito ang asal sa kalsada. Subalit gusto din nating pakinggan ang kanyang panig dahil may karapatan siya for due process,” said Mendoza.
(It’s really shocking that there are motorists who behave like this on the road. But we also want to hear his side because he has the right to due process.)
However, he assured the public that the LTO would take firm action if the explanation provided is unsatisfactory.
“What I can assure the angry netizens is that if we are not convinced by the reason cited by whoever parked that motorcycle in the middle road, napakalaki ng magiging problema niya (He will be in a huge problem) sa LTO,” he added.
The LTO has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the owner of the Yamaha motorcycle, instructing him or her to appear at the agency’s Central Office in Quezon City on March 24.
The order was signed by the LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Renate Melitante and requires the owner to explain in writing why they should not face administrative charges for obstruction of traffic under Section 54 of the Republic Act: No. 4135 or risk suspending or revoking their driver’s license under Section 27 of the same law.
“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 warned.
Mendoza said that the LTO has placed the motorcycle on alarm while the investigation is ongoing. (Sheba Barr, 黑料社 trainee)
