LTO Suspends Driver License for Knife Threat Incident
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of an InDrive-accredited vehicle driver for 90 days after he was caught on video threatening passengers with a knife. This shocking act unfolded over what authorities described as a “petty misunderstanding.”
The viral footage showed the driver wielding a knife and forcing passengers to exit the vehicle. The LTO’s initial investigation confirmed that the driver’s aggressive behavior endangered the safety of his passengers.
“As posted, the complainant narrated that they were riding an InDrive-accredited vehicle when the driver allegedly forced them to alight and subsequently brandished a knife, threatening to stab them,” the agency said in an official statement.
Acting Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief Greg Pua, Jr. condemned the driver’s actions, stressing that such conduct is unacceptable and calls for swift intervention.
“This driver has entered the wrong profession. He is not looking for a job but for trouble and lawsuits,” Pua said in Filipino.
Show-Cause Order and Legal Charges
Following the incident, the LTO issued a show-cause order to both the driver and the registered vehicle owner. They were required to explain why the driver’s license should not be revoked due to his reckless behavior.
The driver is now facing charges of reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act 4136 and is considered an improper person to operate a motor vehicle under Section 27(a) of the same law.
Meanwhile, the vehicle’s registered owner must also justify why she should not be held accountable for employing a reckless driver, as stipulated in Paragraph 7, Title IV of the Department of Transportation and Communications Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
Additionally, the vehicle involved has been placed under alarm status by the LTO pending further action.
Ensuring Passenger Safety and Accountability
This case highlights the importance of strict regulations and accountability for public transport drivers, especially those accredited through ride-hailing platforms like InDrive.
Authorities urge passengers to remain vigilant and report any threatening or unsafe conduct to help maintain public safety.
For more news and updates on InDrive-accredited vehicle incidents, visit Filipinokami.com.
