Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to prioritize road safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has taken immediate action after a cargo truck crash in Quezon province went viral on social media.
The truck driver’s license has been temporarily suspended while the case is being investigated. Both the driver and the truck operator were summoned to appear in a hearing and were instructed to submit an explanation regarding their roles in the incident, which has drawn widespread attention due to safety concerns.
Incident Details
Based on the findings of the LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division led by Renante Melintante, the truck was traveling from Atimonan to Plaridel, Quezon when its brakes reportedly failed while going downhill, causing the vehicle to flip over.
Although the extent of the vehicle’s damage hasn’t been confirmed, the driver and one passenger were fortunate to suffer only minor injuries.
In connection with the incident, a Show Cause Order was issued to the driver, requiring him to surrender his license and submit a written statement during the initial hearing on May 16, 2025. He must justify why his license should not be revoked under Republic Act 4136, which outlines standards for determining a person’s fitness to drive.
Operator Also Held Accountable
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II also stated that the vehicle operator has been asked to explain why they should not face penalties for employing a driver involved in reckless behavior.
Asec. Mendoza highlighted that the investigation will also look into the company’s maintenance practices. If brake failure was a contributing factor, the LTO will assess whether it could have been avoided through proper upkeep, a crucial angle in establishing accountability.
Context and Ongoing Road Safety Campaign
This latest case follows a deadly incident on the Katipunan Flyover in December 2023, which spurred the LTO to ramp up its enforcement against unsafe trucking practices. Since then, many drivers have been apprehended and issued Show Cause Orders for various violations, including reckless driving and operating poorly maintained vehicles.
Asec. Mendoza reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting road safety and holding both drivers and fleet operators accountable. The LTO assured the public that it will continue working to prevent similar accidents and uphold responsibility on the road.
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