LTO summons SUV owner, escort in viral video

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued show cause orders in connection with a video that went viral showing a vehicle being escorted by a motorcycle using blinkers in Silang, Cavite.

The owner of a black Toyota Prado and the motorcycle rider were ordered to appear at the LTO office to respond to complaints before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID), documents obtained by The STAR showed.

A video of the SUV on illegal counterflow while being escorted by a motorcycle was uploaded on social media on July 22.

Acting LTO IID chief Renante Melitante said the act was in violation of Presidential Decree 96, which prohibits the “unregulated” use of blinkers or sirens.

He said the license of the owner of the vehicle may be revoked for obstruction of traffic. The driver faces charges for reckless driving while the escort faces revocation of his license for violating the Land Transportation and Traffic Code

Police Highway Patrol Group director Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said charges of usurpation of authority or use of official function and illegal use of uniform or insignia were filed against the security escort before the Cavite prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.