LTO orders show-cause vs government employee in viral road rage case

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacalinao ordered the immediate issuance of a show-cause order against a government employee involved in a viral road rage incident in which a motorist was struck.

In a statement released Tuesday, the LTO said the government employee and a representative of the agency where he works were summoned to a hearing on 27 January at 1 p.m. before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division.

The respondents were directed to submit a verified comment and explanation to avoid facing various administrative charges.

“Kailangan nila ipaliwanag kung bakit hindi sila dapat managot ng administratibo sa kasong Obstruction at ang lisensya ng nasabing government employee ay hindi dapat suspendihin sa pagiging Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle dahil sa kanyang behavior sa pampublikong kalsada,” the LTO said.

In the video, the man, wearing a white shirt, was heard cursing at a fellow motorist, an e-tricycle driver, as they appeared to be arguing on the road. The confrontation escalated when the government employee was seen throwing a jab at the driver.

The LTO said the vehicle used by the government employee has been placed under alarm status, while his driver’s license has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Lacalinao reminded government employees that they are expected to set a good example and act as role models, particularly on public roads.

He also said the LTO will handle the investigation fairly and ensure accountability for those who disrespect others on the road.

“Ang mga empleyado ng gobyerno ay inaasahang magiging huwaran ng mabuting pag-uugali at paggalang sa batas, lalo na sa mga pampublikong daanan,” Asec. Lacalinao said.

“Walang makakalusot sa insidenteng ito at ang nararapat na proseso ng paglilitis ay gagawin ng tama. Ang LTO ay determinadong tiyakin na ang hustisya ay maibibigay at ipapakita na ang kaligtasan at kagandahang-asal sa kalsada ay una sa lahat ng ating mga priyoridad,” he added.