Doctor faces suspension of license after road rage video goes viral

MANILA: Traffic in Metro Manila has always been a daily fixture for motorists. With the number of development and construction ongoing all over the metro towards the end of 2019, the state of traffic has noticeably worsened. Not only has this resulted in longer time spent on the road,

but also in shorter tempers. Road rage can often lead to foul-mouthed exchanges and reckless driving. Recently, a video of two drivers caught exchanging profanities and insults went viral on social media, sparking outrage amongst netizens and motorists.

The incident involved an L300 driver -- later identified as Santiago Paredes -- and one Dr. Tomas Joaquin Mendez. Based on the viral video, an angry Dr. Mendez was seen continuously lashing out and hurling profanities at Paredes. According to reports, Dr. Mendez has allegedly been involved in another similar incident where he was also sending insults at other motorists.

Following the video going viral, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued an official Show Cause Order to Dr. Mendez. In the order, it states that Dr. Mendez must appear at the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) of the LTO Central Office along East Avenue, Quezon City on December 5, 2019 at 2:00 PM.

On top of that, the LTO has also issued a Sworn Explanation/Comment and Show Cause Order on why Dr. Mendez should not be administratively be liable under Section 27 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Under Section 27, the LTO Secretary has full authority to suspend and revoke a driver’s license should they have reason to deem that the holder is not fit to operate motor vehicles and is consequently a danger to public safety.

Should Mendez fail to show up or give an explanation for the incident before the LTO, they have full authority to waive his right to be heard in the proceeding. Results from the immediate evaluation of his case will still be communicated to Dr. Mendez thereafter.

 

This is not the first incident where the LTO has dealt with suspending/revoking a driver’s license. Just a few weeks ago, the LTO dealt suspended the license of a motorist who had dragged a Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) enforcer after being flagged down for a traffic violation. In another incident, the LTO revoked the license of a Grab driver for a sexual harassment wherein the accused was caught lifting the skirt of his female passenger.

Both the LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) encourages motorists to avoid road rage and always keep cool while on the road.

Also Read: One-way traffic scheme on East Service Road