LTO to revoke driver's license of ex-cop in viral road rage video

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will revoke the driver's license of the former policeman involved in a viral road rage incident with a cyclist in Quezon City on August 8.

Wilfredo Gonzales was found liable to four traffic violations, including violation of Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles) of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

"Respondent Gonzales is hereby declared as an Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles (Sec. 27(a) of R.A. No. 4136). Hence, his driver's license which is valid until 07/08/2024 is hereby ordered revoked and he is disqualified from securing a driver's license and driving a motor vehicle for a period of two years," the LTO Resolution signed by LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa III and approved by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II read.

According to Mendoza, a copy of the resolution was already submitted to the office of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

On August 28, Gonzales received the Show Cause Order asking him to show up in a hearing an explain in a notarized affidavit why he should not be held liable for the violations charged against him.

However, Gonzales did not appear and submit a notarized affidavit, leading the LTO-NCR to submit the case for Resolution.

In the LTO Resolution, it is stated that Gonzales should be fined P1,000 for violation of Disregarding Traffic Sign since he cut in to a bicycle lane, obstructing the driver as seen in the video.

He was fined another P1,000 for Obstruction of Traffic since his actions caused a restriction of movement of traffic in the area of the incident.

For Reckless Driving, he was fined P2,000 since he abruptly cut across the lane of the approaching bicycle.

"The Land Transportation Office issues a driver's license to a person who possesses not only the skills to drive but also a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to obey traffic laws, rules, and regulations. A person with a driver's license is likewise expected to give due consideration to other motorists and pedestrians and avoid committing acts that endanger lives, properties, and public safety," Mendoza said.

"Magsilbing aral sana ito sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na walang mabuting maidudulot ang init ng ulo sa daan kaya pinapayuhan natin ang lahat ng motorista na kontrolin ang galit dahil ikaw din ang talo dito (I hope this serves as a lesson to all our countrymen that road rage can do no good, so we advise all motorists to control their anger because you will also be the one to lose here in the end)," he added.

Photos from Land Transportation Office

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