The driver of the black sports utility vehicle (SUV) that fatally struck two individuals after accelerating and crashing at the entrance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) departure area on May 4 has been found guilty of reckless driving.
In a five-page ruling signed by Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, the driver from Batangas was ordered to pay a ₱2,000 fine in addition to having his driver’s license revoked for a period of four years.
Mendoza clarified that the penalties imposed on the driver—a ₱2,000 fine and a four-year revocation of his driver’s license for being deemed unfit to operate a motor vehicle—represent the maximum sanctions permitted by law.
Despite the serious charges, the driver failed to present any defense or explanation concerning the allegations of reckless driving and unfitness to drive.
The driver initially claimed he panicked after a sedan allegedly passed in front of his vehicle, causing him to accidentally step on the accelerator.
However, CCTV footage later revealed that no vehicle crossed his path at the time of the incident, and the SUV suddenly sped forward on its own.
Meanwhile, results of the police-administered drug and alcohol tests showed that the driver tested negative for illegal substances and alcohol.
