LTO revokes driver’s license of gun-toting ex-cop in QC road rage

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked for two years the driver’s license of Wilfredo Gonzales, the dismissed cop who pulled a gun on an unarmed cyclist in a fit of road rage in Quezon City last month.

Gonzales, who earlier claimed that his gun toting was an act of self-defense, was found liable of four traffic violations for hitting a cyclist in the head and pulling a firearm on him after the biker bumped into his vehicle.

READ: Ex-cop in QC road rage says gun-toting was a self-defense act

“Respondent-driver's acts of having no due diligence in driving, which caused the incident that resulted in the destruction of the property of the victim, is considered unacceptable behavior of a driver,” the LTO said in an order dated Sept. 5 but made public Sept. 7.

“Taken as a whole, his actions are tantamount to the acts of an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, which is punishable under Section 27 (a) of R.A. [Republic Act] No. 4136,” it added.

The LTO said this violation led to the revocation of his non-professional driver’s license.

READ: Raps should be filed vs. driver in viral road rage incident, says DILG chief

It added that Gonzales also violated Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 or Disregarding Traffic Signs; section 54 of RA 4136 or Obstruction of Traffic; and violation of Section 48 of RA 4136 or Reckless Driving.

The LTO slapped him with fines of ₱1,000, ₱1,000, and ₱2,000, respectively, for the three violations.

Furthermore, the office said that Gonzales received a show cause order on Aug. 28, a day after the road rage incident went viral on social media.

READ: Attempted homicide among possible charges vs. gun-toting ex-cop, lawyer says

Gonzales was ordered to appear in a hearing and explain why he should not be held liable for his traffic violations. He was a no-show and was instead represented by his son, the LTO said.

Meanwhile, criminal charges of alarm scandal are being sought against Gonzales by the Philippine National Police.

It is also urging the victim to file a more severe case against Gonzales, including grave threat.

READ: PNP files alarms and scandals case vs. gun-toting cop in QC road rage