By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday summoned the owner of a motorcycle that was seen in a viral social media post with two passengers, including a minor without a helmet.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the irresponsible ride compromised the safety of the riders.
“The motorcycle was travelling along a busy road and while the rider and one of the two back riders had helmets, the child who was sitting in the middle had no helmet or any protective gear,” Mendoza said in a statement.
The LTO has issued a show cause order to the registered owner of the motorcycle to appear at the central office on Oct. 2 with a written and notarized explanation.
“In the spirit of due process, we already summoned the registered owner of the motorcycle for him to explain whether or not he was the one driving the motorcycle at kung siya nga ‘yun ay kailangan nyang ipaliwanag din kung bakit hindi siya dapat maparusahan (and if he was the one driving, he needs to explain why he should not be punished),” he said.
The driver is facing administrative charges of “carrying more passengers other than the back rider, failure to require the back rider to wear a standard protective helmet and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”
The driver also faces a 90-day preventive suspension of license.
In the meantime, the motorcycle (plate No. 430-UTN) has been placed on alarm to prevent any transactions with the LTO while the investigation is ongoing. (PNA)
