LTO calls out radio station for ‘tailgating’

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) -7 has summoned the management of a local radio station after its patrol vehicle was caught on video tailgating an emergency vehicle.

A reporter on board dyAP 88.3 XFM-Cebu’s patrol vehicle went live on Facebook while chasing an emergency vehicle along Natalio Bacalso Avenue on May 16, 2023.

LTO-7 director Victor Caindec said that “tailgating” emergency vehicle is prohibited and is considered reckless driving punishable by law.

“Under and by virtue of the authority vested by R.A. 4136, the driver of the subject motor vehicle is hereby directed to appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division, N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City within three days from receipt hereof,” reads a portion of the subpoena issued to the management of the radio station.

“Further, you are directed to submit a written comment/explanation why your driver's license should not be suspended or revoked in connection with the above-mentioned incident,” it added.

The radio station was warned that failure to appear and submit the required written explanation will be considered a waiver of their rights to be heard.

Johnley Bayking, station manager of XFM-Cebu, said they have not received a copy of the subpoena as of yesterday.

Bayking said they will issue an official statement as soon as they have a copy of the subpoena.

Aden Belza, acting operations chief, said he will check today the status of the subpoena whether it was served in person or through mail.

In his Facebook post, Caindec said that it is prohibited to follow an emergency vehicle responding to emergencies.

“Unless also properly authorized as an emergency response vehicle, tailgating an emergency vehicle is not an excuse for anyone labi na para maka lusot sa traffic. Let's all follow the law,” Caindec said. — (FREEMAN)