Motorist Carabuena faces permanent revocation of driver’s license

MANILA, Philippines—Robert Blair Carabuena, who was caught on camera assaulting a traffic enforcer last month, faces the prospect of losing his driver’s license permanently.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) – National Capital Region (NCR) is set to submit on Wednesday a recommendation to LTO Chief Virginia Torres of lifetime revocation of Carabuena’s license after he failed to submit a counter-affidavit on Monday.

LTO-NCR Director Teofilo Guadiz III said that Carabuena was given 15 days from August 23 to defend himself but that he didn’t show up at the scheduled hearing.

“If he won’t give his defense, most likely his license will be revoked. He won’t be able to drive any vehicle in his entire life,” Guadiz said.

Carabuena became infamous when he was caught on video berating and slapping Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros, who had flagged him for beating the red light in an intersection in Quezon City.

“The LTO has the power to remove his license because of attitude problem. There is 99 percent probability that his license will be revoked,” Guadiz said.

Carabuena had previously made a public apology but MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said that they would still proceed with the case against Carabuena.