LTO‑6 Summons Pickup Owner Over Fatal Road Collision

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office Guimbal District Office has issued a show cause order to the owner of a Toyota Hilux pickup truck involved in a collision that killed a 28-year-old cyclist in Barangay Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo, on July 10.

The order, prepared by LTO Guimbal District Chief Giovanni L. Gasapo and approved by LTO Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II, requires the driver to explain under oath why his license should not be suspended or revoked under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and related regulations.

The driver is also required to appear at a formal hearing within seven calendar days at the LTO Region 6 Law Enforcement and Adjudication Office.

According to a preliminary report from the Philippine National Police, the incident occurred at around 6:10 a.m. on July 10, when the pickup overtook the cyclist—who had just returned from sea duty—at an unsafe speed and failed to observe the 1.5-meter safe passing distance required by law.

The force of the impact caused a fatal head injury, and the cyclist was declared dead at the scene.

“We are profoundly saddened by this needless loss of life,” said Geduspan.

Under the directive of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and LTO Chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu said LTO Region 6 has intensified its road safety campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.

“This incident underscores the urgent need for all motorists to observe speed limits and respect vulnerable road users,” Conlu added.

Gasapo emphasized that the issuance of the show cause order affirms the agency’s commitment to driver accountability.

He urged all drivers to strictly follow overtaking rules, noting that violations can have deadly consequences.

LTO Region 6 is coordinating with the Iloilo Provincial Police Office to gather witness statements, review surveillance footage, and complete a full investigation.

Pending the results, administrative sanctions—ranging from license suspension to revocation—will be pursued against the driver.