The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the registered owner and driver of a public utility jeepney after a passenger was thrown from the vehicle during an alleged aggressive driving incident.
The action followed the circulation of a viral video that reached the LTO, showing the jeepney allegedly swerving repeatedly while traveling on a public road. According to the agency, the aggressive maneuvering caused one of the passengers to fall from the vehicle and sustain injuries.
The LTO’s initial investigation also indicated that the driver allegedly failed to stop and assist the injured passenger after the incident.
The agency ordered the registered owner or operator and the driver to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on the scheduled hearing and submit sworn statements or explanations regarding the allegations contained in the show cause order.
The registered owner or operator may face an administrative complaint for employing a reckless, insolent, discourteous or arrogant driver.
Meanwhile, the driver was directed to explain why he should not be held liable for reckless driving and violation of the duty of a driver in case of an accident. He must also explain why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
Pending the investigation, the LTO placed the driver’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension and ordered its immediate surrender to the agency.
The jeepney involved has also been placed under alarm status to prevent its transfer or involvement in any transaction while the investigation is ongoing.
The LTO said the administrative proceedings will determine whether the registered owner and driver violated transportation laws and regulations based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
