LTO probes employee over hit-and-run case

MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office chief Markus Lacanilao has ordered the investigation of an LTO employee who figured in a hit-and-run incident in Antipolo City on Friday night.

Based on initial information, the employee, who is assigned with the LTO Quezon City district office, fled from the scene after his vehicle struck several pedestrians.

Lacalinao ordered the immediate revocation of the driver’s license of the employee and a lifetime disqualification from obtaining another.

“There is no room in the LTO for drunk driving, hit-and-run incidents or any actions that endanger public safety, especially when the person involved is an employee of the agency itself and who is expected to enforce the law,” Lacalinao said.

“He will not receive special treatment. If he needs to be held accountable under the law and lose his job, we will enforce that. There is no favoritism or cover-up within the LTO,” he added.

Lacanilao stressed that “no matter what happens on the road, evading responsibility after an accident is never acceptable.”

The LTO assured the public that it would strictly hold accountable anyone proven to have violated the law and existing regulations, including agency personnel.