Formal complaint filed by MMDA against fleeing driver
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today filed a complaint against a motorist, who, following a road incident in Taguig City on August 27, hit a traffic enforcer who attempted to stop him from escaping.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, in a two-page complaint, asked the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions against the driver of the SUV involved in the road incident where a motorcycle rider of a ride-hailing firm Joyride and his passenger; and a traffic enforcer of the agency was hit.
“A driver's license is a mere privilege, not a right, granted by the state, which if abused and misused may be suspended or revoked by the state, thus, will always yield to the general welfare of the community,” said Artes.
“The driver was escaping responsibility, illustrating that he is undeserving of his driving privilege and as such, should be stripped or suspended thereof until he can show worthiness thereto once again,” said in the formal complaint.
Artes said the driver appeared before the MMDA today, admitting that he was the one driving the SUV involved in the accident. The SUV was registered to the driver’s wife.
Despite the driver’s apology, Artes said they will not let the incident pass, and will still pursue charges against him.
The MMDA is also preparing to file attempted homicide and direct assault charges against the driver, as there was obvious intent to cause harm to the traffic enforcer, Allan Harry Sadiua.
“Instead of facing the responsibility of side-swiping a motorcycle rider and a passenger, he tried to escape. But we will not tolerate this kind of wrongdoing. He will face criminal charges as a result of his actions. Any explanation is not acceptable because the incident has elements of assault upon a person in authority and has intent to cause harm to our enforcer,” said Artes.
He also called on the motorists to respect the traffic enforcers who are just performing their duties, regardless of the risks they face every day to manage traffic on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
Based on the Southern Police District’s traffic accident investigation report, the road incident happened along Sales- East Service Road, Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City at 8:52 in the morning.
The SUV driver hit/side-swept a ride-hailing motorcycle rider. The rider placed his motorcycle in front of the SUV to block his way, but the SUV drove away. The MMDA traffic enforcer noticed the situation and responded to the incident but the SUV driver ignored the traffic enforcer and left the area.
The traffic enforcer chased and managed to intercept the SUV, putting himself in front of the hood of the SUV in an effort to prevent the driver from escaping. He was dragged 500 meters from the road crash incident scene.
