LTO seeks license revocation after fatal Bacolod crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 24-year-old motorcycle rider was found administratively liable for reckless driving under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, in connection with a crash that killed a 63-year-old woman and injured her 73-year-old husband.

The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region said a Yamaha Aerox 155 struck Rosita Patoc and her husband, Genaro Patoc, while they were crossing at a marked pedestrian lane in front of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital on Lacson Street on June 25.

The crash occurred at about 3:41 a.m. as the couple was leaving the hospital, according to an earlier police report.

The couple were residents of Barangay Pasil in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

Rosita died from injuries sustained in the crash, while Genaro suffered minor injuries.

Police earlier said the motorcycle was traveling at about 70 kilometers per hour when it struck the couple.

The rider and his 32-year-old passenger were also injured.

Police said the rider and his passenger were reportedly intoxicated at the time of the crash.

The LTO-NIR announced Friday that it had issued a resolution recommending the revocation of the rider’s driver’s license because of the gravity of the incident.

The rider was also fined PHP 2,000 for a first reckless-driving offense under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

The agency said the rider failed to submit a written explanation or refute the allegations within the prescribed period despite receiving a show-cause order.

The LTO-NIR reiterated that pedestrians, particularly those lawfully using designated crossings, deserve the highest level of protection.

The agency also emphasized that driving is a privilege that carries a responsibility to protect the lives of all road users.

Under Section 27 of Republic Act 4136, the LTO may revoke a driver’s license after a hearing if the license holder has used a vehicle in an act that endangers the public.

The LTO’s administrative action is separate from any criminal case that may be filed against the rider.

Police earlier said the rider could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injuries.