LTO suspends license of SUV driver in bank crash

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) yesterday ordered a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license of a motorist whose sport utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into a bank in Quezon City, leaving one person dead and six others injured on Dec. 28.

According to LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, both the driver and the registered owner of the SUV have been summoned to explain the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.

Mendoza expressed his condolences to the family of a bank client who died in the accident.

LTO National Capital Region officer-in-charge Hanzley Lim issued the show-cause order against the driver, who resides in Baliuag, Bulacan.

Mendoza said the driver faces possible violations of Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 for reckless driving and Republic Act 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The motorist also faces a maximum penalty of cancellation of driver’s license for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

Based on initial investigation, the motorist put the SUV in reverse, but it suddenly accelerated and hit a vehicle parked nearby before crashing into a bank along Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik.

A female bank customer died and six others suffered injuries following the accident.

The driver and registered owner of the SUV were ordered to appear before the LTO NCR office on Jan. 10.

“Failure to appear and submit a notarized affidavit will be construed as a waiver to be heard and controvert the allegations against you, leaving this office to resolve the case administratively based on the available records,” the LTO’s show-cause order read.

Mendoza added that the LTO’s investigation is independent from the probe being conducted by the Philippine National Police.