LTO: License of truck driver in fatal QC road mishap revoked

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Thursday it has revoked the driver’s license of a truck driver involved in a fatal road crash in Quezon City on 28 May.

This comes as the driver tested positive for illegal drug use following the incident, which killed three people and seriously injured others.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II disclosed that the driver has also been permanently disqualified from being granted a driver’s license.

“This should serve as a stern warning that the use of illegal drugs and even drunk driving will never be tolerated and will be faced with serious consequences,” Mendoza said.

“Let us be reminded that the granting of a driver’s license is a privilege that can be revoked any time once a person defies all the expectations for him to be a responsible and disciplined driver,” he added.

Initial reports indicate the truck driver claimed the vehicle’s brakes failed while traveling along Batasan-San Mateo Road. He reportedly lost control, causing the trailer to overturn onto the center island and the truck to ram into several other vehicles.

While a test for alcohol came back negative, the drug test confirmed the driver’s use of illegal drugs, specifically shabu.

“Our Transport Secretary Vince Dizon has strictly instructed that there is no second chance for drivers who use illegal drugs, so we have zero-tolerance for this,” Mendoza said.

The LTO previously revoked the licenses of nearly 100 bus drivers and conductors who tested positive for illegal drugs during the Holy Week exodus.

Mendoza said these actions are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify campaigns against errant motorists.