MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of a bus driver caught on video playing an online gambling game on his mobile phone while driving.

Acting LTO Chief Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr. said the 90-day preventive suspension was issued through a show cause order served to the driver of a Kersteen Joyce Transport bus, who was seen in the viral video playing an online game while driving along the Silang-Dasma route.

“Malala na yata ang addiction ng driver na ito sa online gambling to the point na nilagay niya sa alanganin ang kaligtasan ng mga pasahero, hindi po natin ito palalampasin,” Pua said.

The driver is now facing charges for violations of:

• Reckless Driving (Section 48 of Republic Act 4136),
• Anti-Distracted Driving Act (Section 4 of Republic Act 10913), and
• Being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle (Section 27(a) of R.A. 4136).

The LTO also summoned the bus company to explain why it should not be sanctioned for employing a reckless driver. Additionally, the vehicle involved has been placed under alarm while the case is pending.

Failure by the driver or the company to respond to the show cause order will be treated as a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will proceed based on the available evidence, the LTO said.