In a decisive move that underscores the Philippine government’s intensified focus on road safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the license of the driver involved in the tragic car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 4. This follows the orders of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to enforce stricter accountability on the nation’s roads.
The incident, which shocked the nation, involved a black Ford Everest SUV that sped through the departure area of NAIA, killing two innocent bystanders—a four-year-old girl, the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), and a 29-year-old man. Several others were injured, and significant property damage was reported.
In a five-page resolution signed by LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, the driver, a resident of Batangas, was found guilty of reckless driving and deemed an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. His license has been revoked for a period of four years, and he was slapped with a P2,000 fine—the maximum penalty allowable under current traffic laws.
What made the case particularly stark was the driver’s refusal to submit any explanation or defense, despite receiving a formal show cause order. According to the LTO, this silence, coupled with the severity of the incident, left no room for leniency.
Under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers people or property. This case, with fatal consequences and multiple victims, is an unfortunate but clear-cut example of that offense.
Assistant Secretary Mendoza emphasized, “Driving is not a right but a privilege. It comes with responsibilities and consequences.” The LTO’s decision sends a firm warning to all motorists: irresponsible behavior on the road will not go unpunished.
The revocation of the driver’s license is not just about one man’s failure—it represents a broader push toward cultural change on Philippine roads. It’s a reminder that vehicles are not just modes of transportation but potential weapons when wielded without care, skill, or concern for others.
As the country reels from this senseless tragedy, the LTO’s action may provide a sense of justice to grieving families. More importantly, it serves as a critical wake-up call to all Filipino drivers: accountability on the road is not optional.
Let this be a moment of reflection and change. Behind every wheel is a responsibility—not just to reach a destination, but to protect lives along the way.
#RoadSafety #LTO #NAIACrash #PublicServiceNeverWaits #BagongPilipinas #DisciplineOnTheRoad
