DOTr permanently revokes license of driver caught counterflowing on Skyway
The Department of Transportation has revoked the driver's license belonging to a motorist who was caught counterflowing on a section of the Skyway.
CCTV footage captured at approximately 3:32 a.m. on Aug. 9 showed the driver moving against the flow of traffic in the opposite lane, directly endangering oncoming vehicles.
“Hindi pu-puwede na suspendido lang ang lisensiya ng driver na ito dahil kitang kita naman sa CCTV footage na inilagay niya sa peligro ang buhay ng mga driver ng kasalubong niyang sasakyan," Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said in a statement.
"Ipinag-utos ko na i-revoke na nang tuluyan ang driver’s license ng pasaway na driver na ito nang hindi na pamarisan ang reckless driving niya," he continued.
The agency also encouraged the public to continue reporting similar incidents, so the department can take swift and decisive action.
In May, Sen. Grace Poe urged the Land Transportation Office to strictly implement guidelines for issuing driver's licenses to ensure that only qualified persons will get behind the wheel.
"The fatal road crashes that have killed and maimed motorists must serve as a wake-up call for transportation officials to enforce the rules on licensing to the letter," Poe said.
"Road safety depends on qualified, skilled, and law-abiding drivers. They are the only ones who should possess the license to drive," she added.
This was also echoed by Dizon, who, in May, reminded the public that a driver's license is a privilege and not a right, and the government may revoke licenses for irresponsible actions.
He also announced the creation of a task force—composed of the DOTr, LTO, and LTFRB—to conduct a sweeping review of the existing road safety policies and the processes of driver's license issuance.
“Bakit ang daming kamote drivers? Ang ibig sabihin niyan, hindi sapat ang mga proseso natin ngayon para siguraduhin na kwalipikado at skilled ang mga drivers natin,” he said.
