LTO temporarily suspends driver's license of ex-cop in viral road rage incident

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended for 90 days the driver's license of the former police officer who drew a handgun on a cyclist in a viral road rage incident in Quezon City.

In a statement on Monday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II clarified that the suspension of Wilfredo Gonzales’ license to drive motor vehicles will be in effect while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"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," Mendoza said.

[Translation: The preventive suspension that we have imposed is a quick action by LTO to ensure that he does not repeat the incident of assaulting and pulling a gun on a bicycle rider.]

"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," he added.

[Translation: This is not the final decision. This case is currently being investigated and, depending on the outcome of the investigation, there may be a permanent revocation and he may not be issued a driver's license for life.]

Mendoza pointed out that while Gonzales' inappropriate behavior was "glaring" in the video, the LTO respects Mendoza's right to due process.

Despite this, Mendoza emphasized that the LTO has the authority to suspend Mendoza's driver's license under Sec. 27 of R.A. 4136, in cases of grave offenses like the viral incident.

The LTO official said Gonzales will also be summoned to the LTO to explain why his driver's license should not be permanently revoked.

Mendoza said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista was informed of LTO's action.

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