By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has temporarily suspended the driver and the registered owner of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was involved in an altercation with a motorcycle rider near the BPI Cainta Junction Branch in Rizal.
In a statement Thursday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said an initial investigation into the viral video of the incident showed the Hyundai Tucson SUV driver was driving recklessly.
“Nakita sa video na biglang lumiko ang nasabing sasakyan pakanan na muntik nang masagasaan ang isang motorista (It can be seen in the video that the SUV suddenly swerved to the right, almost running over another motorist),” Lacanilao said.
In response, the LTO issued a show-cause order (SCO) against both the driver and the registered owner of the Hyundai Tucson, and both were asked to explain why they should not be charged with reckless driving and other traffic violations.
Both individuals were summoned to appear in a hearing with the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to submit their explanation and supporting evidence.
“Kapag hindi sila dumating sa araw ng pagdinig, ito ay ituturing na paglabag sa kanilang karapatan na madinig ang kanilang panig at ang kaso ay pagpapasiyahan ayon sa ebidensiyang hawak ng ahensya (If they don’t appear in the hearing, this will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard and their case will be decided based on existing evidence),” Lacanilao said.
While the probe into the case is ongoing, the license of the driver is suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was placed on alarm to prevent any transactions with the LTO.
In a video posted by motoring vlog Visor on Facebook, a black Hyundai Tucson was seen being stopped by a motorcycle rider due to unknown circumstances.
However, the SUV sped up and swerved towards the rider, possibly hitting him before escaping. (PNA)
