LTO-6 orders rider to explain in viral road rage

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas has issued a show cause order against a motorcycle rider seen in a widely circulated “road rage” video chasing and allegedly harassing a motorist.

Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan, LTO-6 regional director, said Thursday the order requires the rider to explain why his license should not be suspended or revoked for reckless driving and conduct unbecoming of a motorist.

Amid another road rage incident, Geduspan reminded motorists that a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right.

“Holding a driver’s license carries the responsibility to drive defensively and with discipline at all times,” he said.

Geduspan said the agency will not hesitate to suspend or revoke licenses when warranted, in line with the directive of LTO chief Markus V. Lacanilao to intensify the crackdown on reckless drivers.

He added that aggressive driving, intoxication and road rage have no place on public roads, and violators will face the full force of the law.

In the video, a car was navigating Oton, Iloilo, and heading to Sunset Boulevard when the incident happened.

The car was trailing a motorcycle that appeared to be swerving dangerously.

Concerned about a possible collision or sideswipe, the driver honked as a precaution.

The rider appeared to be angered by the horn.

Instead of slowing down, the motorcycle rider gave chase from Oton to the Mandurriao district in Iloilo City — honking repeatedly and shouting at the car’s occupants.

The car driver claimed the rider dropped off his female back rider before continuing the pursuit.

Fearing for their safety, the occupants drove directly to a police station in Mandurriao.

Geduspan said the footage reached LTO-6, prompting him to order the regional office’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit to conduct a formal probe and prepare the show cause order against the rider, who appeared to be intoxicated while operating his motorcycle.

It was not immediately known whether the rider had been able to give his side of the incident.