MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver's license of an individual operating a sport utility vehicle (SUV) used as a patrol car of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao, citing investigation results, said on Tuesday the driver was found guilty of multiple violations, including using a license plate assigned to another vehicle, unauthorized entry into the EDSA Busway, and installing non-permitted equipment and markings.
An inquiry indicated that the vehicle was owned by MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, as confirmed by MMDA Chairman Don Artes.
The case stemmed from a video-recorded incident showing the driver operating an SUV bearing MMDA insignia—including body number, siren, and blinker lights. However, LTO verification determined that the vehicle's license plate did not match its official records and that the SUV was registered as a private vehicle. Also, the same driver was involved in another incident using the identical vehicle.
Consequently, the LTO issued a separate show-cause order directed at the SUV's registered owner.
The driver was once again declared an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, and the agency ultimately revoked his driver's license permanently. Meanwhile, the MMDA-marked SUV remains impounded at the LTO Central Office.
