Driver’s License of Ex-Cop in Viral Road Rage Video Suspended by LTO

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the driver's license of the motorist involved in a viral gun-toting incident with a cyclist in Quezon City.

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, the suspension imposed on Wilfredo Gonzales, allegedly a dismissed police officer, is effective while authorities look into the possibility of permanently revoking his license.

“Ang ipinataw nating preventive suspension ay isang mabilis na aksyon mula sa inyong LTO upang matiyak na hindi na niya uulitin ang nangyaring pananakit at paglabas ng baril sa isang bicycle rider (The preventive suspension we have imposed is a quick action by the LTO to ensure that he does not repeat the incident of assaulting and pulling out a gun on a bicycle rider),” Mendoza stated.

“Hindi pa ito ang final decision. Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ang kasong ito at depende sa outcome ng pag-iimbestiga, maaring permanent revocation at lifetime na hindi na siya maiisyuhan ng driver’s license (This is not yet the final decision. This case is currently being investigated and depending on the outcome, there may be a permanent revocation and he will not be issued with a driver’s license for a lifetime),” he added.

While Gonzales’ lack of conduct is evident in the viral  video, Mendoza said that his legal rights must still be upheld.

Mendoza stressed that the LTO has the power to suspend the driver’s license in accordance with the Section 27 of Republic Act 4136 on grave offenses like the incident involving Gonzales.

The LTO's verdict has been submitted to Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Mendoza previously revealed that the Kia Rio driven by Gonzales was not registered under his name when the incident occurred on August 8.

He said that the Show Cause Order they issued against the owner of the Kia Rio with license plate ULQ 802 remains effective. The owner of the vehicle is expected to appear before the LTO on Thursday.

Photo from Land Transportation Office

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