LTO probes lawyer over hit-and-run

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has issued a show-cause order against veteran lawyer Edgar Gica after he allegedly figured in a series of hit-and-run incidents in Cebu City Wednesday evening, September 9.

The LTO-7 also preventively suspended Gica’s driver’s license pending its investigation.

Initial information received by the LTO-7 showed that Gica’s Mercedes-Benz allegedly hit several motorcycles at around 11 p.m. before proceeding toward the San Nicolas area, where it reportedly crashed into a bakery.

Law enforcement authorities also tried to stop the vehicle, but Gica allegedly continued driving, resulting in a brief chase until he was intercepted along V. Rama Avenue.

The LTO-7 said the incident is now under administrative investigation to determine whether the alleged acts constitute violations of existing land transportation laws, including reckless or imprudent operation of a motor vehicle and the duties of a driver involved in a vehicular accident.

Under the show-cause order, Gica was directed to appear before the LTO-7 Operations Division and submit his written comment or explanation, along with pertinent documents and evidence.

Pending the investigation, the LTO-7 said Gica’s driver’s license has been preventively suspended, while the Mercedes-Benz involved in the incident has also been placed under alarm.

The LTO-7 said the administrative proceedings are intended to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incident and any possible violations.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit said Gica and the other parties involved had amicably settled the matter.

The TEU declined to provide further details about the settlement, saying the investigator handling the case was off duty.

Authorities also declined to say whether Gica was driving under the influence of liquor or whether he underwent a liquor test after the incident.

Gica, a former Provincial Board member and father of Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gungun” Gica, did not issue a statement on the incident.—  Shiela Mae Agrabio, FPL (CEBU NEWS)