LTO issues show cause order vs. owner, driver of SUV in Mandaluyong accident

The Land Transportation Office has issued a show cause order against the owner of the vehicle that got involved in a road crash incident in Mandaluyong City over the weekend.

The SUV driver at the time of the incident also received a show cause order from the LTO - National Capital Region.

In the SCO issued by regional director Roque Verzosa III, both the owner and the driver of the SUV were asked to explain why they should not be held liable for violations of the following traffic laws:

• Section 48 (Reckless Driving) of R.A. 4136 in relation to Rule I-e (Reckless Driving) of JAO No. 2014-01;
• Section 27 (a) (Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle) of R.A. 4136;
• Rule II (a) (Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle) of JAO No. 2014-01; and
• Section 55 (Duty of driver in case of accident) of R.A. 4136

Based on initial investigation, the LTO - NCR stated that the vehicle was unregistered at the time of the accident.

Verzosa said both the owner and the driver were instructed to appear at the LTO-NCR Regional Office on January 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. , with a notarized affidavit explaining why they should not be held liable over the accident.

He noted that failure to appear and submit a notarized affidavit along with other supporting documents shall be interpreted as a waiver to contest and address the allegations, thereby authorizing their office to administratively resolve the case based on the existing records.

Verzosa said both individuals were informed that the registration of the vehicle and the non-professional driver’s license of the driver would be preventively suspended for 90 days, unless the issue would be resolved earlier.

Earlier reports said the SUV driver stalled the vehicle in the fast lane of EDSA and was observed to be sleeping inside.

Upon knocking on the vehicle's door, the driver woke up, swiftly accelerated, ran over an individual, and promptly fled the scene at high speed. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News