THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 has stepped in after videos of a chaotic hit-and-run incident in Cebu City went viral online. The agency is now demanding answers from a TV reporter allegedly involved in the crash.
LTO 7 has issued a formal show cause order against the reporter, identified by police simply as “Mike,” as well as the media company that owns the vehicle involved. According to the agency, the online footage appears to capture several traffic violations.
Serious charges and no license
Vincent Francis Bien Santiago, the regional legal officer, revealed that LTO 7 records show Mike does not have a driver’s license.
Officials are now reviewing multiple possible charges against the reporter. These include reckless driving under Republic Act (RA) 4136, driving under the influence under RA 10586, and ignoring traffic signs. The consequences could be permanent.
“Due to the severity of the alleged violations, the media personality may face disqualification from obtaining a license,” LTO 7 said in a statement on Jan. 26.
A high-speed chase
The incident took place on Saturday, Jan. 24. Police arrested Mike following a dramatic high-speed chase that began on Osmeña Boulevard and finally ended in Barangay Tisa.
Authorities reported that the suspect tried to flee after the initial crash in Barangay Capitol Site. He was eventually stopped with the help of concerned citizens. currently, the suspect is being held at the Cebu City Police Station 10 in Barangay Labangon.
What happens next
The LTO has ordered the reporter and the media company to appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division along N. Bacalso Ave. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. They must also submit a written explanation regarding the incident.
The agency issued a stern warning regarding this hearing. The LTO said that failure to appear will be treated as giving up the right to be heard, which would allow the agency to immediately file formal charges. / ANV