MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has imposed perpetual disqualification on the driver of a Lexus SUV bearing protocol plate ‘10’ after a viral video showed the driver in an altercation with a multicab driver in Quezon City and admitting to using a prohibited blinker.

The SUV involved in the incident was also impounded.

The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO to hold accountable drivers who abuse their authority and violate traffic laws.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said DOTr Undersecretary for Internal Audit and Special Concerns Ricky Alfonso, who was in the SUV during the incident, has filed an indefinite leave of absence while the investigation is ongoing.

“Si Usec. Alfonso po ay naka indefinite leave na while pending ang investigation. Ang purpose po niyan is ‘yung respondent will not exert influence sa pag-iimbestiga. Sa DOTr naman po ay gumugulong na ang administrative case ni Usec. Alfonso,” Lopez said.

During the LTO hearing on Monday, the SUV driver surrendered his license and the vehicle’s unauthorized blinker and wang-wang but failed to turn in the protocol plate ‘10.’

“Nakakainis kasi siga-siga sa video pero hindi nya masabi kung nasaan na ‘yung plate ‘10.’ Kaya ang recommendation ko, revocation ng lisence, impound ‘yung vehicle,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said.