MMDA to ask LTO to delay 90-day suspension of rogue drivers

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will appeal to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to delay the 90-day suspension of drivers with at least 100 traffic violations, citing that it may decrease the number of drivers, whose licenses will possibly be revoked.

In a press conference on Wednesday, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia explained that the LTO issued show-cause orders against 2,582 drivers which means drivers would be suspended for 90 days. Of these 2,582, most of them are bus and jeep drivers, Garcia said.

“Now, we will plead LTO if they can spread the suspension for every month,” he added. “Meaning if the 90-day suspension can be imposed on one-third of the traffic violators for this month. Then the next one third would experience the suspension for the next three months so that not all drivers will be affected.”

Aside from the suspension, LTO said errant drivers would be given a chance to explain why their licenses should not be canceled.

Roberto Valera, LTO Field Enforcement Division chief, said they would study the MMDA’s proposal, but at the same time, he asked errant drivers to proceed to the LTO office to immediately respond to their show-cause orders.

Garcia also warned that drivers who would fail to answer their show-cause orders would have their vehicles impounded.

“Those who would not answer their show-cause orders will face automatic suspension. We will then impound your vehicles if you continue to do it,” he said.

/atm