Reckless driving case: LTO orders PUJ driver to explain

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 has issued a show cause order against a public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver allegedly involved in a reckless driving incident along Junquera Street in Cebu City on August 11.

The order, issued by LTO-7 Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan, identified the driver as Celestino Endrina Damasole, who was operating a Mitsubishi L300 Jitney/PUJ with plate number 055CCE.

According to records cited by the agency, particularly a report from the Cebu City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle at around 3:40 p.m., causing it to accelerate and collide with the rear portions of motorcycles traveling in the same direction.

The collision allegedly resulted in injuries to the persons involved and damage to property. The CCPO investigated the incident and reported it as reckless driving.

Damasole was directed to appear before the LTO-7 Operations Division within five days from receipt of the show cause order and submit a verified or sworn comment or explanation, along with relevant documents and other evidence, to rebut the allegations.

Dinglasan said the driver must explain why he should not be administratively charged with reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked.

Pending the resolution of the administrative case, Damasole’s driver’s license was preventively suspended for 90 days and placed under alarm. He was also ordered to surrender his driver’s license upon receipt of the order.

The Mitsubishi L300 Jitney/PUJ bearing plate number 055CCE was likewise placed under alarm pending the final resolution of the case.

Dinglasan said that Damasole may be assisted by a counsel of his choice during the proceedings.

He added that failure on the part of the driver to appear and submit the required written explanation will be considered a waiver of his right to be heard, and the case will be decided based on the evidence available to the LTO. — (FREEMAN)