LTO issues show-cause order vs taxi driver caught throwing trash on public road
The Land Transportation Office has issued a show-cause order against the taxi driver who was seen throwing a plastic cup containing liquid on a public road in a viral video.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Oct. 11, the agency said the driver of the taxi and its registered owner have been directed to appear before the LTO Central Office's Intelligence and Investigation Division on Oct. 15 for a hearing. They must also submit sworn statements explaining what happened along with supporting documents.
As an initial measure, the driver was ordered to surrender his license for 90 days. The taxi was also placed under alarm status to prevent transactions involving the vehicle while the case is pending.
The LTO said the driver may be declared an improper person to operate a motor vehicle under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. This could lead to the suspension or revocation of his driver's license. The registered owner or driver may also face additional penalties for other violations uncovered during the investigation.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has also summoned the taxi operator over the incident.
In a separate statement on the same day, the LTFRB said it's asking the operator to explain why its authority to operate shouldn't be suspended or canceled because of the driver's actions. It was also directed to have the driver explain the incident and undergo a seminar.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr. added that the operator could be held liable for employing drivers who lack road courtesy and discipline.
"This is not only about existing ordinances relating to littering. This is also about common sense because no motorist in his right mind would do that,” Pua said. “Roads are not trash sites. Bilang responsableng operator at car owner, dapat ay mayroong kahit na maliit na lagayan ng basura sa loob ng sasakyan."
The LTFRB hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.