Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao personally caught the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) taxi after allegedly fleeing from a traffic enforcer who accosted him over a reckless driving incident along Pasay Avenue, Quezon City, on Thursday.

The LTO mobile patrol nearly crashed into the said taxi after it suddenly changed lanes without a signal light. When he was ordered to stop, the taxi driver attempted to escape, prompting the patrolmen to give chase, according to the LTO’s statement.

Eventually, the driver was caught and issued a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) for reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs.

The driver was ordered to face the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the LTO Central Office on May 14, at 10:00 a.m. to explain why he should not be charged for violating traffic rules on “Reckless Driving,” “Signals on Starting, Stopping, or Turning,” and being an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.”

The registered taxi owner or operator of the taxi in question was also summoned to explain why he should not face charges related to the violation of “Employing Reckless, Insolent, Discourteous, or Arrogant Driver.”

In addition, they were instructed to bring the OR/CR of the electric vehicle and a valid franchise (CPC) for the hearing.

The order also states that if the respondents fail to appear for the hearing, their absence will be deemed a waiver of their right to be heard, and the agency will resolve the case based on the evidence at hand.

The vehicle has also been placed under alarm while the driver’s license was preventively suspended for 90 days, which they were instructed to hand over to the IID.

“Walang puwang sa ating mga lansangan ang mga pasaway at iresponsableng driver. Ang simpleng paglabag sa batas trapiko ay mas lalo pang lumalala kapag pinili nilang tumakas at balewalain ang mga awtoridad. Sisiguraduhin nating mananagot ang sinumang maglalagay sa alanganin sa kaligtasan ng publiko,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO reminded all motorists and operators to practice discipline and responsibility when on the road, and to coordinate with the agency to maintain order and safety.