The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has suspended the driver's license of a motorist involved in an incident that severely injured a traffic enforcer in Cebu City.
The suspension follows a collision on July 1 at the Escario Street-Osmeña Boulevard intersection. Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) enforcer Jovanne Tudtud Verano was directing traffic when he was struck by an SUV.
Legal and Administrative Actions Initiated
We have to set an example that motorists must exercise extreme caution whenever a traffic enforcer is on the road.
Raquel Arce, CCTO Head
Signed by LTO 7 Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan, the 90-day preventive suspension is pending the outcome of an administrative case. The driver, a 62-year-old resident of Toledo City, must appear before the LTO Operations Division on July 6.
- The LTO has placed the involved Isuzu MU-X under alarm status, blocking any transactions.
- CCTV footage reportedly shows the SUV moving forward after initially stopping at the enforcer's signal.
The LTO has cited sufficient grounds to investigate the driver for reckless driving and being an improper individual to operate a motor vehicle, as outlined in Republic Act 4136.
In parallel, police are preparing to file charges of direct assault with attempted homicide against the driver, escalating the initial recklessness complaint.
Verano, 44, suffered severe injuries, including crushed bones in his left hand, and is currently receiving treatment at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital.
The driver claims the incident was accidental, attributing the collision to an automatic transmission issue. He also revealed a recent bypass surgery that could have affected his driving ability.
Despite his explanations, the Cebu City Government, under Mayor Nestor Archival's directive, intends to pursue criminal charges, emphasizing the importance of road safety and accountability for motorists.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña supports the city's decision, reinforcing that Verano was performing his official duties at the time of the incident.