By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is investigating the viral video of a group of Angkas motorcycle taxi riders for obstructing traffic in an intersection in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday.
In a statement on Thursday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the investigation aims to find out whether the group, which appeared to be conducting a motorcade, was given a permit by any local government unit (LGU) as it involved obstruction of traffic that affected thousands of motorists and commuters.
“Ang nangyari dito ay parang sila-sila lang ang nagplano at nagsagawa ng motorcade, pero damay-damay na pati LTO sa galit ng ating mga kababayan na naperwisyo (What happened here was they held a motorcade, seemingly on their own initiative, but the annoyed public are pointing fingers at many others, including the LTO),” Mendoza said.
The investigation also seeks to prevent a repeat of a similar incident by identifying the riders who deliberately blocked the road and making them face possible sanctions for their actions.
He said blocking the intersection was a clear violation of traffic rules and regulations and showed “abuse and lack of courtesy and discipline.”
“Hindi puwede na parang may kanya-kanya tayong gobyerno na gagawin natin kung ano ang gusto natin (We can’t have people acting as if they have the authority of the government) at the expense of the motorists and the commuters. I need an explanation on this and if it needs to impose harsh sanctions, so be it,” he said.
Earlier, a dashcam video went viral on Facebook showing several Angkas riders blocking an intersection in Cainta to let the rest of the motorcade pass unimpeded, disregarding the traffic light.
The Angkas motorcade was reportedly on its way to the unity ride along Marilaque Highway.
Angkas CEO George Royeca has issued an apology for the incident.
“I am aware of the incident and there are no excuses for our actions. This should not have happened,” Royeca said. (PNA)
