LTO suspends driver over road rage

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced on Monday the suspension of a pick-up truck driver’s license following a viral road rage incident that left a toddler traumatized.

The confrontation, captured on video by a nearby store owner, showed the driver of a white Toyota Hilux (NHU-932) berating a street picker pushing a cart that had seemingly blocked his path. In the middle of the altercation, the driver struck the father of a toddler, who cried in shock at the scene. The couple filming intervened, prompting the driver to flee once he realized he was being recorded.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao condemned the driver’s behavior, emphasizing the psychological impact on the child. He immediately ordered the suspension of the driver’s license and instructed the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the driver and vehicle owner. They must explain why their license should not be revoked under charges of Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

Lacanilao warned that failure to respond to the SCO would automatically result in license revocation, as it would be considered a waiver of the right to be heard.

“The agency will not tolerate this kind of behavior on the streets. If the allegations in the video are true, the driver must be held accountable. We assure the public that justice will be served for this incident,” he said.

The LTO reiterated its commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable and ensuring safety on the roads.