MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will file criminal charges against organizers of a motorcycle exhibition along Marilaque road in Tanay, Rizal that resulted in the death of a vlogger.
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide would be filed against people behind the event.
“We will run after you wherever you are. Your action caused the death of someone,” Mendoza said.
Motovlogger John Louie Arguelles died after his motorcycle collided with another rider while they were performing the so-called Superman stunt on Sunday. Video footage of the incident went viral on social media.
The other rider survived the crash and is facing criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Mendoza said a show-cause order was issued against the survivor, directing him to explain why his license should not be revoked for performing the stunt.
Mendoza warned all LTO district directors that he would impose the one-strike policy once similar events would take place in their areas of responsibility.
“This is an eye opener for me as this is being done every weekend. If this is happening every weekend without your knowledge, there is something wrong with your management,” he said, referring to LTO district directors.
Mendoza ordered LTO-Calabarzon chief Elmer Decena to coordinate with the police and local government units to prevent the Marilaque Highway from being turned into a venue for exhibition of motorcycle riders.
“We will implement the one-strike policy. We are always reactive. If there are reports on social media, that’s only when we act. You should prevent this from happening again. When will we act, when the next victim comes along?” he asked.
The incident prompted the Higway Patrol Group to increase the presence of HPG men along the Marilaque Highway by deploying officers from Laguna, Cavite and Quezon.