PR/via Patrick de Jesus – PTV News
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has effectively revoked the license of motorist, Luis Miguel Lopez, also known as Miko Lopez, perpetually barring him from getting a driver’s license and stripping him of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
In a memorandum issued by the LTO today, 06 June 2019, Lopez is charged with multiple violations such as speeding, reckless driving, failure to wear or use a seatbelt, and driving a motor vehicle without a steering wheel or Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Modification. Aside from the revocation of his driver’s license, Lopez is required to pay penalties for the said multiple violations ranging from PhP1,000 to PhP5,000.
Lopez failed to appear before the LTO despite the subpoena issued against him on 29 May 2019. According to LTO, Lopez disregarded the opportunity to present his side and did not make any clear effort to coordinate with the agency.
Department of Transportation Secretary (DOTr) Arthur P. Tugade said the LTO’s decision serves as a stern warning to every motorist to comply with traffic laws and regulations.
“Driving on public roads is a privilege. Owning a license is a privilege. When we use those roads, we partake in the shared responsibility of road safety. What Mr. Lopez did was an utter disregard for the safety of motorists and pedestrians. He poses a danger to the public and, therefore, has no place on our public roads,” Secretary Tugade maintained.
Lopez’s violations surfaced following his social media posts wherein he bragged about his deliberate acts.
In a video circulated on social media sites, Lopez was seen performing dangerous stunts such as driving a motor vehicle from the front passenger seat. He was seen using his left leg to operate the gas and brake pedals while using his left hand to maneuver the steering wheel. As he was doing these acts, Lopez, in an act of arrogance, even lit a cigarette and smoked.
He also posted a picture on Facebook which showed him driving a vehicle with a speed of over 120km/hour without a steering wheel and just holding the quick release adaptor. A separate photo again showed him driving along a highway at a speed of over 220 km/hour.
Following the decision, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante urged the public to report irresponsible motorists like Lopez.
“The safety of the public is and will always be our top priority, hence, we shall not hesitate to strip the privilege of motorists who willfully endanger others. We encourage the public to report drivers like Mr. Lopez. We implore our citizens to take part in penalizing arrogant road users so they are not emulated,” Asec. Galvante stressed.
