Driver loses license after Kalibo schoolgirl crash

By Gerome Dalipe

A driver caught on viral video running over an elementary schoolgirl at a pedestrian crossing in Kalibo, Aklan, has lost his license after authorities moved to hold him accountable.

The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) revoked the motorist’s license after its Intelligence and Investigation Unit (IIU) found him reckless and unfit to operate a vehicle.

The ruling was approved by Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II.

“This Office finds that there is adequate evidence to conclude that the respondent is an improper person to operate motor vehicles due to his failure to apply reasonable caution while driving on a highway,” the resolution read.

The incident occurred March 4 along Osmeña Avenue, in front of Estancia Elementary School.

Viral footage showed the young victim already crossing the marked pedestrian lane when the multicab failed to stop, striking the child and dragging her several meters.

Police confirmed the vehicle, coming from Banga-Kalibo Road, hit the student while she was within the pedestrian lane, leaving her injured and sparking public outrage.

Under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, the LTO may revoke a driver’s license after a hearing if the driver is found to be an improper person to operate a motor vehicle or if the driver’s act endangers the public.

The driver admitted his lapse in judgment and lack of due diligence, and said he shouldered the victim’s medical expenses.

However, LTO-6 stressed that settlement does not erase liability.

The LTO-6 investigators ruled that his actions endangered public safety, particularly the rights of pedestrians, making him liable for reckless driving.

Aside from a one-year license revocation, the driver was fined PHP 2,000, with his license placed under alarm until the penalty is settled.