LTO issues show cause order to SUV owner in viral U-turn video

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order to the registered owner of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) that made an illegal U-turn at the Edsa-Aurora underpass.

The SUV owner was asked to appear before the LTO Central Office on October 14 to explain the incident, which was caught on video and went viral.

The vehicle owner was also ordered to bring the driver and submit a written explanation as to why they should not be penalized.

In a statement on Wednesday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the driver’s actions were reckless and irresponsible as he might have put himself and others in danger.

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“We already received a formal complaint from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes regarding this incident, and this is now the subject of our investigation. Our immediate response was to issue a show cause order,” Mendoza said.

The LTO said among the administrative cases against the driver were reckless driving and obstruction of traffic.

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It added that the vehicle was placed under alarm to prevent any transaction while under investigation.

“Failure to appear and submit the written comment/explanation as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your right to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the LTO said.