LTO revokes driver’s license of dismissed cop in viral QC road rage

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday said it revoked the driver’s license of Wilfredo Gonzales, the dismissed police officer who pulled out and cocked a gun at a cyclist in a road altercation in Quezon City.

According to the LTO in a statement, the agency found Gonzales liable to four traffic violations, one of which was a violation of Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles) of the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, that resulted in the revocation of his non-professional driver’s license for two years.

Gonzales was also fined a total of P4,000 for his traffic violations — P1,000 for violation of disregarding traffic sign, when he encroached into a bicycle lane and blocked the driver; P1,000 for obstruction of traffic; and P2,000 for reckless driving when he suddenly cut across the lane of the incoming cyclist.

“Respondent-driver’s acts of having no due diligence in driving, which caused the incident that resulted in the destruction of the property of the victim, is considered unacceptable behavior of a driver. Taken as a whole, his actions are tantamount to the acts of an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, which is punishable under Section 27 (a) of R.A. No. 4136,” the resolution signed by LTO-National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa III and by LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II read.

“Respondent Gonzales is hereby declared as an Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles (Sec.27(a) of R.A. No. 4136). Hence, his Driver’s License which is valid until July 4, 2024, is hereby ordered revoked and he is disqualified from securing a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle for a period of two years from issuance of this Resolution,” it added.

Mendoza, meanwhile, said that the acts of the dismissed policeman “undeniably show that he abused such privilege and failed to comply with the conduct necessary for the continued possession and enjoyment of the said privilege.”

He explained that the LTO issues driver’s licenses to individuals possessing a “strong sense of responsibility and commitment to obey traffic laws, rules and regulations,” thus, they are expected to give “due consideration” to other motorists and pedestrians and avoid committing acts that endanger lives, properties, and public safety.

To recall, Gonzales received a show cause order on Aug. 28, to appear in a hearing and explain in a notarized affidavit on why he should not be held liable for his traffic violations.

Gonzales, however, did not show up and was instead represented by his son.

He also did not submit a notarized affidavit, which prompted the LTO-NCR to submit the case for resolution.

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JPV