A VIRAL video showing a female motorist sipping what appeared to be wine while driving her sports car has prompted swift action from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension of her driver’s license. The LTO is also investigating potential violations of traffic laws.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, depicted the woman holding a wine glass and appearing to drink from it while driving a Mazda MX-5. The LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, immediately issued the suspension order and directed the woman to surrender her driver’s license.
In addition to the suspension, the LTO has issued a show cause order (SCO) to both the female motorist and the registered owner of the sports car, requiring them to explain why they should not be held liable for violating traffic laws.
The LTO has scheduled a hearing at the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) for Friday, December 12. The SCO mandates that the female motorist and the registered owner of the sports car submit the original documents of the vehicle during the hearing.
Furthermore, they must provide a verified or sworn statement explaining why they should not face administrative penalties for reckless driving and driving under the influence of liquor or narcotics, which are violations of Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Lacanilao emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that the female driver will be required to prove that she was not drinking liquor while driving.
“The female driver should also explain why her driver’s license should not be recalled or revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle as provided in our transportation laws and regulations,” the LTO stated.
Lacanilao has also directed the LTO-IID to place the Mazda MX-5 under an LTO alarm to prevent any transactions involving the vehicle.
The LTO chief warned that failure to attend the hearing or submit the required statement will be considered a waiver of the respondents’ right to explain their side, and the complaint will be resolved based on the LTO’s evidence.
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