LTO revokes license of man driving in passenger’s seat
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:18:29 +0000
The Land Transportation Office has revoked the driver’s license of the man in a viral video driving his car while sitting in the passenger seat.
In a memorandum issued by the LTO yesterday, motorist Miko Lopez has been barred from getting a driver’s license and was also charged with multiple violations – speeding, reckless driving, failure to wear or use a seatbelt, and driving a motor vehicle without a steering wheel or Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Modification.
Lopez was required to pay penalties for the violations amounting to a total of P18,000.
The agency’s decision stemmed from a video of Lopez uploaded in his social media account in which he was seen driving on a busy road while sitting in the passenger seat.
In the 50-second-video, which has since been taken down by the user, Lopez was also seen lighting a cigarette and smoke while driving.
In a separate post, he also posted a photo of him driving his car without a steering wheel.
This prompted the LTO to summon Lopez, but he failed to appear despite the subpoena issued against him last May 29.
According to LTO, Lopez disregarded the opportunity to present his side and did not make any clear effort to coordinate with the agency.
Following the decision, LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante urged the public to report irresponsible motorists like Lopez.
“The safety of the public is and will always be our top priority, hence, we shall not hesitate to strip the privilege of motorists who willfully endanger others. We encourage the public to report drivers like Mr. Lopez. We implore our citizens to take part in penalizing arrogant road users so they are not emulated,” Galvante said in a statement. (Alexandria San Juan)