Dear Editor,
The public deserves a clear and honest answer from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding their inconsistent handling of recent road rage incidents.
In the Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City tragedy, the LTO and the police promptly released the name of the UV Express driver — 51-year-old Ruel Dela Cerna, who reportedly killed one and injured more than a dozen others after plowing through several vehicles.
His name and face were all over the news within hours. His license was revoked. That kind of transparency is commendable and expected since the public has the right to know.
But what about the similar road rage incident in Teresa, Rizal? Why did the same agencies choose silence there?
Why was the driver’s identity kept from the public? Is he someone influential? A government official’s relative, perhaps? Or do the rules change depending on who they would apply to?
Both incidents involve public interest, and both deserve equal accountability and public awareness. Yet only one name was released. Such double standards insult us and the victims.
If the LTO and PNP claim transparency and impartiality, they must prove it through consistent action. Selective disclosure only fuels suspicion that justice bends depending on who’s behind the wheel.
The public has a right to know who these reckless drivers are, especially when they pose a danger to others on the road. Name them even if they are no longer allowed to drive vehicles, as they can be a danger to other people in so many other ways.
Yours truly, Jesse Lacanilao
Jlacanilao68@gmail. com