Niño Muhlach summoned over Rizal road mishap

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned movie actor Niño Muhlach in connection with a road accident that occurred along Marcos Highway in Antipolo, Rizal on Sunday.

Based on the report of the Antipolo Component police station, Muhlach lost control of the wheel, causing the vehicle to hit a row of commercial establishments and a motorcycle parked along the roadside.

A pedestrian suffered injuries when he was struck by Muhlach’s vehicle.

In a statement, Muhlach admitted that he was the one driving the vehicle and acknowledged liability for the accident.

He said he had dozed off while driving due to fatigue.

“I want to clarify that I had not previously given any personal statement regarding the incident. The initial information released stating that the crash was caused by mechanical failure was based solely on the preliminary findings of the police investigation, not from my own words. I want to be completely clear and honest: the accident was entirely my fault,” Muhlach said.

He said he was the one driving the vehicle as his driver had taken a day off.

Muhlach said he is willing to assume full personal and legal responsibility including providing the needs of the injured pedestrian and covering the damage caused to the establishments.

As part of the process, the LTO required Muhlach to appear before the LTO’s intelligence and investigation division for a hearing on Friday.

The agency directed Muhlach to submit a sworn explanation and relevant documents supporting his position regarding the allegations stated in the show-cause order.

Muhlach may face liabilities for violating existing LTO laws and regulations including reckless driving.

His driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for being an “improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”

“Before even starting the vehicle, a driver should know if he can remain alert until he reaches his destination. If tired or drowsy, he should not force himself to drive, as doing so puts not only himself, but also other motorists at risk,” LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said.

Pending results of the investigation, the LTO ordered Muhlach to surrender his driver’s license.