LTO summons QC van driver in viral illegal parking dispute

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the registered owner and driver of a delivery van caught in a viral video of a heated parking dispute in Quezon City.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the show cause order against the owner and driver of the Mitsubishi L300 van (Plate No. NEL 7278) was issued in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to strictly enforce road discipline, especially among motorists.

In the video, the van is seen improperly parked along the road, blocking the parking entrance of an establishment in the Timog-Tomas Morato area. The driver is also seen engaged in a tense argument with other car owners.

“Kitang-kita sa video na mali ang parking ng van, subalit lumalabas na ang tapang pa ng driver nito. But we will give the driver and the owner the opportunity to explain their side,” Mendoza said.

He added that the driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days once his identity is confirmed during the investigation. The van has also been placed under alarm pending the results of the probe by the LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division led by Renante Melitante.

The driver faces charges of illegal parking, obstruction, and being an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.” Both he and the vehicle owner were ordered to explain why they should not face sanctions.

“Failure to appear and submit the written explanation as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your right to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the order stated.