The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order against the driver of a Lexus SUV involved in a viral traffic altercation in Quezon City.
Newly appointed LTO chief Markus Lacanilao directed the driver of the Lexus LX570 bearing a “10” protocol plate and using blinkers to explain the confrontation and alleged slapping of a multicab driver.
Lacanilao also tasked Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante to conduct a full investigation into possible violations of traffic and registration laws.
The “10” plate number is reserved for appellate court justices, tax court magistrates, Sandiganbayan justices, and the Solicitor General.
Reports and videos identified the passenger as Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso. The incident showed Alfonso’s driver and aide confronting and allegedly slapping the Isuzu multicab driver. LTO said the driver must appear before the agency to explain why his license should not be suspended or revoked.
Lacanilao vowed to enforce all laws “without fear or favor.” “The use of blinkers, sirens, and protocol plates is strictly regulated. We will not tolerate misuse of these privileges, especially by public officials,” he said. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Alfonso had apologized to the motorist and dismissed his driver, but the LTO stressed that apologies do not exempt violators from accountability.
