MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the driver’s license of a former child actor after he crashed his car into several establishments in Antipolo City, Rizal on Aug. 23, admitting that he fell asleep while driving.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao on Tuesday cited an investigation report which indicated that the actor lost control of his vehicle, causing it to cross into the opposite lane before colliding with three establishments and a parked motorcycle.
One individual was hurt, Lacanilao said.
Although Lacanilao declined to name the actor in a social media post, Niño Muhlach made a publuc apology, admitting that he fell asleep due to extreme fatigue while driving his SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) along Marcos Highway on Aug. 23 and taking full responsibility for the incident.
“He expressed his willingness to assume full personal and legal accountability, including addressing the needs of the injured individual and covering the damages caused to the affected establishments,” Lacanilao said.
As part of the proceedings, the registered owner and the designated driver are required to appear before the bureau for a hearing.
The actor may face corresponding penalties for violations under existing LTO laws and regulations, including reckless driving, as well as the possible suspension or revocation of his driver's license for being an ‘improper person to operate a motor vehicle.’
"Before even starting the engine, a driver should already know whether he/she can remain alert until he/she reaches the destination. If you are tired or feeling sleepy, do not force yourself to drive—you are only putting yourself at risk, as well as other motorists and pedestrians," Lacanilao said.
"It is the LTO's duty to enforce the law, and it is also my duty not to let such incidents pass without action. We will subject this to due process," he added.
The LTO has placed the private vehicle under alarm status and ordered the actor to immediately surrender his driver's license to the agency which will be subject to a 90-day preventive suspension.
The LTO reiterated its call to all motorists to exercise caution and responsibility behind the wheel.
In an official statement released through his social media pages on Aug. 24, Muhlach clarified reports that the crash may have been caused by a mechanical failure.
He said the information about a possible mechanical problem came from the preliminary findings of the police investigation and was not based on any statement he personally made.
“I want to be completely clear and honest: the accident was entirely my fault,” Muhlach said.
The actor explained that he had been dealing with an “extremely demanding and exhausting schedule” and fell asleep behind the wheel. He added that because the accident happened on a Sunday, his regular driver was on his scheduled day off, prompting him to drive himself.
Muhlach acknowledged that fatigue was “no excuse” for what happened and said he was accepting both personal and legal responsibility for the incident.
“My priority right now is ensuring that the affected individual receives all necessary care, support, and medical assistance, and that all damages caused to the properties and establishments are fully compensated and rectified,” he said.
He also apologized to the injured individual, the victim’s family, and others affected by the crash.
“I am deeply sorry to the victim, their family, and everyone affected by my negligence,” Muhlach said.
The actor said he was fully cooperating with authorities as the incident is being investigated and resolved.
