NAIA crash driver’s license revoked

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Friday it has revoked the driver’s license of the individual who drove a black sports utility vehicle (SUV) that accelerated and crashed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) departure area on 4 May, killing two people.

In a five-page decision signed by LTO chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, the driver from Batangas was also found guilty of reckless driving and fined P2,000. The driver’s license revocation is for four years.

Mendoza explained that the P2,000 fine and the four-year license revocation, for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, are the maximum penalties allowed under the law.

Following the incident that resulted in the deaths of a four-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and a 29-year-old man, the LTO immediately issued a show-cause order to the registered owner and the driver of the black Ford Everest.

However, the driver did not submit any statement to defend himself or explain his side regarding the charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

Under Rule I(e) of Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, the driver was penalized for reckless driving that endangers property or the safety or rights of persons, which carries a P2,000 fine.

“Applying the above-mentioned provisions and jurisprudence to the facts of the case, the respondent-driver committed reckless driving that endangers the property or the safety or rights of the victim, given the gravity of his actions,” the decision read.

Mendoza said that the driver’s lack of due diligence, which caused the deaths of two non-passengers, injuries to others and property damage constitutes unacceptable behavior punishable by license revocation under Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The LTO reiterated in its decision that driving is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked for violations of existing laws and road safety regulations.

Mendoza urged motorists to be responsible and disciplined on the road to avoid legal consequences. He added that this action is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure road safety, under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.