MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner of a van and its lady driver who berated an MMDA traffic enforcer after being stopped for a violation in front of La Salle Green Hills, San Juan City.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the driver of the Toyota Hi-Ace van, which has been placed under alarm, faces charges of obstruction of traffic and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

“Once we establish the identity of this driver and find out that she has a driver’s license, it will be subjected to 90-day suspension. Kapag wala siyang driver’s license or expired, mas malaking problema ‘yun,” Mendoza said.

According to the MMDA complaint forwarded to LTO, the driver tried to cut in line but was stopped by an enforcer. The confrontation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to intimidate the officer by name-dropping an MMDA official.

The vehicle’s registered owner, a large company, has been ordered to appear before the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on August 28 along with the driver, and to explain in writing why it should not be penalized for allowing a “discourteous person” to operate the vehicle.

The incident prompted the issuance of a show cause order, which Mendoza said is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strictly enforce discipline among motorists.

“Failure to appear and submit the comments/explanations as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your rights to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” read the order signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante.