LTO summons owner, driver of van in Tagaytay fatal road crash

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner and driver of the van involved in a fatal road crash in Tagaytay City that led to the deaths of three people, including a pregnant woman. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner and driver of the van involved in a fatal road crash in Tagaytay City that led to the deaths of three people, including a pregnant woman.

LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II stated on Thursday that the show cause order against the owner of the Nissan Grand Livina is part of the investigation on the incident, requiring an explanation for allowing a reckless driver and an improper person to use the vehicle.

“We are also coordinating with the local police to get the necessary pieces of evidence, including an official report stating that the driver was under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident,” said Mendoza.

“Tatlo ang namatay dito, at may kasama pang buntis. Malaki ang pananagutan ng may ari ng sasakyan at yung nagmamaneho nito lalo pa na may lumalabas sa report na lasing ang driver nung van,” he added.

(Three people died, including a pregnant woman. The owner of the vehicle and the driver have a great liability, especially since the report indicates that the driver of the van was drunk.)

READ: 3 dead, 5 hurt in Tagaytay City vehicle collision

According to a report received by LTO Region 4A, the incident occurred on Tuesday along the bypass road in Barangay Zambal, Tagaytay City, where the van collided with a sedan that was traveling from the opposite side of the road.

The driver and the passengers of the sedan died, while the driver and the four other passengers of the van — aged 17 to 19 — were injured. Reports said that they were under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident.

The driver is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and multiple homicides.

LTO Region 4A Director Elmer Decena stated the van’s registered owner must explain within five days why they shouldn’t face administrative liability for allowing an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle.

LTO warned that failure to respond could lead to the suspension or revocation of the vehicle’s registration. The driver will also be asked to justify why his license should not be revoked.

Decena clarified that the LTO’s investigation is separate from any criminal case the police may pursue.

According to the police, France, the driver of the van, is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and multiple homicides. Ryanna Aquino, INQUIRER.net trainee/coa