The Land Transportation Office on Monday vowed to extend all assistance to its traffic enforcer who was hit by a sports utility van (SUV) driver the officer was apprehending for traffic violation along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue busway in Caloocan City.
Renan Melitante, Intelligence and Investigation Division chief, issued a show-cause order against the driver of the Ford Everest van, who is reportedly the relative of a city mayor in Metro Manila.
A separate show-cause order was also issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Both have been directed to appear at the IID office on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. to submit a written comment or explanation as to why they should not be charged with obstruction of traffic, reckless driving, use of unauthorized accessories, duty to procure license and duty of driver in case of accident.
LTO found out that the driver does not live anymore in the address he provided for the past several years.
According to LTO Field Enforcement Division, the victim, Butch Sebastian, was directing traffic at the area when he instructed the SUV driver to move forward.
Instead of moving forward, the driver turned on his blinker and siren, then ran over the left foot of Sebastian.
The suspect tried to flee using his blinker and siren, but Sebastian blocked his way.
Under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, only authorized government vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks and police cars, are allowed to use blinkers and sirens.
“Time and again I have stated that the LTO will not hesitate to prosecute erring drivers regarding the unauthorized use of sirens andblinkers, but most especially those who commit violations against LTO enforcers and any traffic enforcer for that matter, who are on the road fulfilling their duties to keep our roads and the motoring public safe,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said.
“Our country’s traffic laws apply to everyone. We will not spare anyone from prosecution regardless of whoever they are or their status in life,” he added.
LTO said it is up to Sebastian if he would press charges against the driver, adding that he agency would extend all legal assistance possible to him.
The traffic enforcer appealed for respect from the motorists who have little disregard for the traffic laws and regulations and for traffic officers who enforce the law