Valenzuela mayor orders probe, sanctions over viral reckless driving

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian ordered swift action against a truck driver caught on CCTV driving recklessly along Sapang Bakaw Street, Barangay Lawang Bato, following the circulation of a viral video online.

In a press conference held at City Hall on Saturday, Gatchalian said the case has been referred to the Land Transportation Office, while the trucking firm’s permit to operate was temporarily suspended for violating city ordinances.

The incident occurred on 15 January, at around 8:30 p.m. The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) immediately launched an investigation upon the video going viral. Mayor Gatchalian directed VCPS chief Joseph G. Talento to conduct a thorough probe.

The driver, identified only as Nelson, 41, a resident of Barangay Lawang Bato and an employee of Royal King Trucking Services, Inc., was voluntarily presented by his company to police after Sub-Station 7 personnel located him for investigation.

Police said the driver’s actions placed motorists and pedestrians in imminent danger, triggering public alarm. In coordination with the LTO, authorities issued a show-cause order, required the surrender of the driver’s license, imposed a 90-day preventive suspension, and placed both the license and the trailer truck under alarm status.

During the investigation and press briefing on 17 January, the driver claimed he was rushing home due to his wife’s condition. Gatchalian stressed that personal reasons do not justify reckless driving, warning that the incident could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.

The mayor also ordered the temporary closure and suspension of operations of Royal King Trucking Services, Inc. pending investigation. The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) later confirmed that the company has no valid business permit.

Gatchalian further urged the motorcycle riders affected in the incident to file formal complaints, assuring them of free legal assistance from the city government. He also offered the trucking company free drug testing for its employees as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and accountability.