By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday suspended the license of the driver of a modern jeepney who cursed and showed a “dirty finger” at a traffic enforcer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in a viral video on social media.
In a statement, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez reminded drivers to remain calm and not let their emotions get the better of them when driving.
“Sa halip, laging pairalin ang wastong asal sa pagma-maneho at striktong pag-sunod sa batas trapiko para sa kaayusan at kaligtasan ng lahat (Instead, always let good manners and strict adherence to traffic laws prevail for everyone’s welfare and safety),” Lopez said.
The driver of the modern jeepney with license plate NGB9091 has been given a 90-day license suspension pending the result of an investigation.
The driver has been summoned to appear before the LTO at its central office in Quezon City on Oct. 22, to explain why his license should not be revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
The LTO also summoned the registered owner of the modern jeep to submit a comment on why the company should not be held liable for employing a discourteous and arrogant driver, under Title IV (7) of DOTC Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
In addition, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) summoned a representative of the San Dionisio Transport Service Cooperative, the operator of the modern jeepney, to appear before the LTFRB, also in Quezon City, on Oct. 27.
In a video posted on Facebook by “BJ King TV,” the driver of a modern jeepney was seen having a heated argument with a traffic enforcer inside NAIA.
The traffic enforcer was seen directing the driver to leave the area as loitering was prohibited but the driver refused, used profanities, and repeatedly made obscene hand gestures towards the enforcer. (PNA)
