The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver and registered owner of a mixer truck that went viral after a video showed it crashing into multiple vehicles and plunging into a ravine in Bataan.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency issued a “show cause order” to both the driver and the owner.
The order demands an explanation for why they shouldn’t face sanctions, specifically regarding the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
“The incident highlighted the importance of our regular surprise and random inspection on trucks, due to cases of road crashes involving this type of vehicle,” Mendoza said. “This investigation should serve as a warning of consequences for owners failing to ensure the roadworthiness of their motor vehicles.”
To recall, the crash occurred on 7 August in the town of Dinalupihan. A viral video captured the truck swerving, hitting other vehicles and an eatery, and then falling into a ravine. The driver was seen jumping from the vehicle before it went over the edge.
The LTO has also placed an alarm on the truck, preventing any transactions with the agency while the investigation is ongoing.
Also, the driver faces potential penalties for reckless driving and for being an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle,” according to the show cause order signed by Renante Melitante, chief of the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division.
Mendoza added that the action is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive to hold those who compromise road safety accountable.