By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday revoked the driver’s license of the survivor involved in a ‘Superman’ motorcycle stunt along Marilaque (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) Highway that killed another rider and injured several bystanders in January.
In a statement, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said Rico Akmad Buyawan was allowed to explain his side during a hearing with the LTO.
However, an investigation by the LTO-Calabarzon office found Buyawan guilty of reckless driving and for being an unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle, which resulted in the recommendation to revoke his driver’s license.
“The driver’s license that the government is issuing to the motorists is a privilege that comes with a responsibility that those who would get it would observe road safety and be a responsible driver at all times,” Mendoza said.
“Magsilbing aral sana ito sa lahat ng ating mga kasamang motorista, lalo na ang mga motorcycle rider, na hindi tamang lugar ang mga pampublikong kalsada sa mga ganitong gawain (This should serve as a lesson to all motorists, especially motorcycle riders, that public roads are not appropriate places for such activities),” he said.
The incident occurred in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 26.
In a video that went viral on social media, Buyawan and another rider, motovlogger John Louie Arguelles, were seen performing a ‘Superman’ stunt but Buyawan ended up hitting Arguelles.
Arguelles died while at least six other bystanders were injured.
In response, the LTO boosted its road safety advocacy through the ‘Stop Road Crash’ campaign and a unity bike ride on Marilaque Highway where several rider groups expressed their intention to help make the road safer for all users. (PNA)
