LTO agent sacked for running over cyclist

MANILA, Philippines — An agent of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Mandaue City, Cebu has been dismissed from his post for running over a cyclist.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the agent, aboard an LTO patrol vehicle, hit the cyclist following a roadside inspection on Wednesday.

Video footage of a closed-circuit television camera showed two bicycles colliding on A. Soriano street.

The impact threw the cyclist off his bicycle, causing him to fall into the path of the LTO vehicle.

Lacanilao said the LTO agent may face charges of reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

He said the driver’s license of the LTO agent is suspended for 90 days.

A show-cause order has been issued against the agent, requiring him to explain why he should not be sanctioned.

The agent was ordered to submit an affidavit and attend a hearing at the LTO regional office tomorrow.

“LTO employees are not exempted from the law. If they commit violations, they will be held accountable. No favors, no cover-ups,” Lacanilao said.