The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Christmas Day reported that it issued a show cause order (SCO) against the registered owner of a Fuso wing van truck and its driver linked to a road crash along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) that killed three people.

The LTO cited the preliminary investigation of the SLEX Patrol, which responded to the incident. Based on the report, a Honda City sedan and the truck were traveling in succession along Lane 4 of SLEX when the car driver allegedly hesitated between continuing along SLEX or heading toward the Skyway ramp.

The car reportedly swerved suddenly from its lane, causing the truck to collide with and drag the vehicle. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals, while three others, including a 5-year-old child, sustained injuries.

An earlier television report stated that police are also looking into the possibility that the truck was speeding at the time of the accident.

“That is also one of the angles our investigators are looking into. Especially since the actual impact of the truck on the sedan was so severe,” PNP-Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang earlier said.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to conduct a hearing on the incident and directed both the truck owner and driver to appear. The hearing is set for Jan. 6, 2025, at the LTO-IID office along East Avenue in Quezon City.

The owner and driver were also ordered to submit a notarized verified comment or explanation on why they should not face charges of reckless driving, and why the driver’s license should not be suspended under the classification of an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.”

The truck owner was further directed to explain why they should not be held liable for “Employing a Reckless Driver” in connection with the incident.

While the LTO investigation is ongoing, the truck driver has been placed under alarm status and issued a 90-day suspension of his driver’s license. He was also ordered to surrender his license immediately.

Earlier reports said the driver was placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.

The LTO reminded the respondents that failure to appear or to submit a notarized verified comment or explanation on the scheduled date would be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case would be resolved based on available evidence on record.