THE student from Lapu-Lapu City who went viral after he was shown on social media using a “wang-wang” or siren to get to school voluntarily surrendered to officials of the Land Transportation Office Central Visayas Monday, January 27, 2020.
"Lesson learned na kaayo to nga dili maayo ang akong gibuhat (I learned my lesson. What I did was wrong)," said Judiel Niño Cane, the man behind the viral video.
Cane confirmed that he used the siren because he was late for class. He added that the reason why he owned one was he was curious and he has been joining car shows, where car modification is popular.
LTO Chief of Operations Flordeliza Monceda said that Cane will have to pay the penalty amounting to P8,000 for reckless driving and violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 96.
PD 96 provides that any siren, bell, horn, whistle or other similar gadgets may be attached to and used only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, police and fire departments, as well as hospital ambulances.
Cane also turned over his license and car registration to LTO officials. He was issued a temporary operator's permit (TOP).
LTO Central Visayas Director Victor Caindec appreciated the fact that Cane willingly submitted himself to authorities, saying it made the process easier.
"Gikuhaan namo siya og statement sa circumstances nga nahitabo, unya nihatag mi sa amoang assessment ug amo siyang gipasabot unsa iyang violations, iya ra sad gi acknowledge dayon," Caindec said.
(We got his statement regarding the incident and made an assessment. We also told him of his violations.)
The viral video was uploaded as an Instagram story by a certain "JasmineKingChan," who is believed to be Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan's daughter.
When asked whether or not the woman behind the camera was Chan's daughter, Cane neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.
"Ako ra'y driver. Ako ra'y nakasala. Wala'y labot ang mga passengers ana (I was the driver. I'm the only one at fault. Other passengers are not involved in this)," he said.
Caindec also explained that since Cane was the one manning the wheel and the owner of the vehicle, he is the only one responsible for whatever shortcomings he did.
"I want to clarify because people are trying to link it to something else. LTO's concern is the driver and the owner of the vehicle. You're the one driving, you're at fault, you get the penalty because you own a license. You also own a registered vehicle. Beyond that, we are not interested," Caindec said in both English and Cebuano.
Caindec also reminded motorists, especially car enthusiasts, that any modification made to one's car that could distract other vehicles is illegal.
"Kabalo man ta nga inyoha nang passion (we know that this is your passion). Pero remember that as you go through that passion that you pursue, hinumdomi ninyo nga naay mga balaod (remember that there are laws)," Caindec said. (JGS)
Watch the interview here: