LTO revokes license of driver of Torre’s vehicle over plate misuse

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday announced that it had revoked the license of the driver of the vehicle owned by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III. A video-recorded incident showed the driver operating the vehicle bearing MMDA markings and identifiers, including a body number, siren, and blinker. “However, an LTO verification found that the vehicle’s license plate did not match its records and that the SUV was registered as a private vehicle,” the LTO said. Article continues after this advertisement A show cause order was issued against the driver on Aug. 28, and in a Sept. 4 order, the LTO imposed a one-year suspension of his driver’s license after declaring him an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.” READ: MMDA: Torre admitted to owning vehicle that passed through Edsa busway But the investigation found that the same driver was also involved in another incident involving the same vehicle, prompting the LTO to issue another show cause order. The LTO confirmed that the driver involved in the first incident was also operating the vehicle when the second incident occurred. The incidents pointed to repeated violations and misrepresentation involving the vehicle’s use and unauthorized markings and identifiers. Article continues after this advertisement “As a result, the LTO declared the driver an ‘Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle’ and ultimately revoked his driver’s license,” the LTO said. Meanwhile, the MMDA-marked SUV remains impounded at the LTO Central Office. Article continues after this advertisement LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said, “Regardless of your rank, position or office, if you violate traffic laws, I will not let it pass.” “We in government clearly understand the law. Let us follow it, do what is right and be responsible on the road,” he pointed out. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.