Vlogger reacts to LTO license suspension over 'unsafe' driving practice
The Land Transportation Office suspended the license of a social media personality following its viral video of unsafe driving practices.
Acting Assistant Secretary and LTO chief Greg G. Pua, Jr. issued a statement confirming that a video showed Cherry White, whose real name is Cherrylyn Gonzaga, driving improperly.
According to Pua, Gonzaga was observed in a relaxed, lounging position with one leg on the driver's seat, seemingly not focused on safely operating the vehicle, which posed a risk to others on the road.
"The information we received was that this personality has a strong following on social media and the video showing her unsafe driving practice is dangerous since it could be misinterpreted that it is okay to do that," Pua said, adding that they are now investigating the incident and about to issue a show cause order against the vlogger.
Moreover, the vlogger, who has more than 6.5 million followers on Facebook, was asked to provide an explanation to the agency regarding why she should not be found responsible for operating a motor vehicle improperly, as defined by Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle (Sec. 27 (a) of R.A. 4136), in addition to facing charges of reckless driving related to the incident.
She was summoned to report to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City. Gonzaga's driver's license is also suspended for 90 days, while the vehicle involved in the video was also placed under alarm during the investigation.
"Accordingly, you are directed to SURRENDER your driver's license on or before the scheduled hearing to formally commence the period of suspension," the SCO read.
'Kamote kasi ako'
In a series of shared posts on her personal account, Gonzaga revealed that a certain Facebook page reuploaded the video that she took three months ago.
"Ito pala ang nagre-upload kaya na-ungkat yung video yari ka sakin pag dating ko ng LTO didiretcho ako NBI kumikita ka ng million dahil sa post ng pagmumuka ko goodluck sayo ipapasuka ko sayo mga kinita ng page na yan, Nandyan lahat ibendensya [na] puro mukha ko pinopost mo ng walang pahintulot," she said.
Nonetheless, she admitted to being reckless for doing such an act while driving.
"OMG, suspended ako 3 months hahaha nag-prapractice daw ako mag-maneho kamote kasi ako e hahahaha."
"Inaabangan nako ng motor ko sa Pinas sabay is-sususpinde. Kamote kasi," Gonzaga added.
Last week, LTO also suspended the license of a sports car driver after he was shown using his cellphone while driving along a highway. He has since apologized for his actions.
