Drivers in Tagaytay road race summoned

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the drivers and registered owners of six sports cars caught in a viral video allegedly racing along a public road in Tagaytay City.

The LTO placed all six vehicles – two Mazda MX-5s, a Ford Mustang, Nissan Z, Chevrolet Camaro and BMW M4 – under alarm as part of the agency’s law enforcement efforts.

LTO officer-in-charge Greg Pua said they are in the process of identifying the people driving the vehicles during the incident, which he described as a serious threat to public safety.

Pua said show-cause orders have been issued to the registered owners, who were directed to appear before the LTO and identify the people involved in the alleged road race.

“The drivers could either be the registered owners themselves or other people. They cannot escape accountability because the video clearly captured the incident,” Pua said.

He said these people committed a grave offense as there are proper places for such activities.

“The government builds roads for the comfort and mobility of the public, not for stubborn drivers like those in the viral video,” Pua said.

The vehicle owners were told to explain why they should not be held liable for reckless driving or considered as improper persons to operate a motor vehicle.

The show-cause orders sought to suspend for 90 days the licenses of the drivers once they are identified.

The LTO also required the owners to bring the vehicles’ registration documents and related papers for inspection and verification.

Pua reminded motorists that public roads are not meant for racing, regardless of the type of vehicle used.

“Let this serve as a warning. Whether you drive a sports car, motorcycle or tricycle, you must follow the rules of the road to avoid issues with the LTO,” he said.

The LTO did not disclose the identities of the owners or drivers of the vehicles involved, saying investigation is ongoing.