THE Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, summoned the registered owner and the driver of the van in the fatal road crash in Tagaytay City that left three people, including a pregnant woman dead.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the issuance of the show cause order (SCO) against the registered owner of the Nissan Grand Livina is part of the investigation and to explain his side on why he allowed a reckless driver and an improper person to drive the vehicle.
“We are also coordinating with the local police to get the necessary pieces of evidence, including an official report stating that the driver was under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident,” said Asec Mendoza.
“Tatlo ang namatay dito, at may kasama pang buntis. Malaki ang pananagutan ng may ari ng sasakyan at yung nagmamaneho nito lalo pa na may lumalabas sa report na lasing ang driver nung van,” he added.
Based on the report obtained by the LTO Region 4A headed by Regional Director Elmer Decena, the incident happened along the bypass road in Barangay Zambal in Tagaytay City wherein the van hit a sedan which was travelling at the opposite side of the road.
The driver and the two occupants of the sedan, including a pregnant woman, died while the driver and the four other occupants of the van were injured.
RD Decena said the registered owner was asked to explain why he should not be held liable for the incident.
“You are hereby directed to submit your response under oath within five (5) days from receipt hereof, attaching thereto all pertinent documents to rebut all the aforesaid allegation, to show cause as to why you should not be administratively charged for the above-cited law, rules and regulations and/or why the registration of your motor vehicle should not be suspended or revoked for allowing an improper person to operate your motor vehicle,” the SCO signed by RD Decena read.
“Failure on your part to submit an explanation shall be deemed as a waiver, and this Office shall act accordingly on the matter based on the evidence on hand,” it added.
He added that the driver will also be asked to explain why his license should not be revoked over the incident.
RD Decena said the investigation of the LTO is different from the criminal liability of the driver based on the investigation of the police.
