LTO-6 suspends PUJ driver in road crash that pinned City Hall worker

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) has suspended the license of a public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver for one month and issued show cause orders to both the driver and the vehicle’s registered owner after a road crash pinned a City Hall worker between two jeepneys.

The accident occurred on Iznart Street on July 29 when the PUJ reportedly failed to maintain a safe following distance in moderate traffic.

An initial investigation by the Iloilo City Traffic Management Office found that the jeepney’s brakes were defective prior to impact.

The victim, a 28-year-old architect, was standing between the two vehicles when the collision occurred.

Emergency responders extricated the victim, who is now under observation at Western Visayas Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136 (Reckless Driving), Ms. Shiela C. Mae Alulod, chief of the LTO-6 Investigation and Intelligence Unit, issued show cause orders on July 31 to the driver and vehicle owner.

They were directed to submit written explanations within five calendar days stating why administrative sanctions should not be imposed.

LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the preventive suspension, which takes effect immediately upon receipt of the order.

The driver is barred from operating any motor vehicle for one month.

“This incident underscores the critical importance of mandatory roadworthiness inspections at Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs),” Geduspan said.

“Had this PUJ undergone proper PMVIC certification, a faulty brake system would have been detected before it endangered lives.”

LTO-6 is coordinating with the Iloilo City Traffic Management Office and local police to review CCTV footage and collect witness statements.

Depending on the results of the administrative proceedings, the driver may face further sanctions—including possible license revocation—while the owner could be held liable for allowing an unsafe driver to operate the vehicle.

Failure to submit the required explanation will be considered a waiver of the right to be heard, and the case will be resolved based on available evidence.