The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the license of the SUV driver involved in the fatal collision at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 which claimed the lives of two people on Sunday, May 4.
In a press release, the agency announced that it has also issued a show cause order (SCO) against both the driver, identified as Leo Sinlao Gonzales, and the vehicle’s registered owner, demanding an explanation as to why Gonzales should not be charged with Reckless Driving and his license revoked or suspended for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
In the SCO, Gonzales was instructed to turn over his license at the earliest possible instance. Additionally, the black Ford Everest has been placed under alarm, preventing any change of ownership until the investigation is concluded.
LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza offered his condolences to the bereaved family of the two killed in the tragic incident.
“First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the two persons who died as a result of this unfortunate accident. Talagang nakakalungkot ang balitang ito dahil kasama sa nasawi ay isang bata na anak ng isa nating kababayan OFW (This news is truly saddening, as among the dead is the child of one of our countrymen OFWs),” Mendoza said.
The black Ford Everest rammed into the departure west curbside area of NAIA Terminal 1 on Sunday morning. Gonzales told police he was about to depart after dropping off a passenger when a sedan reportedly crossed his path, causing him to panic. However, Gonzales stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brakes, propelling the vehicle forward. According to reports, the SUV plowed through the outer railing and struck the walkway, killing two persons—a five-year-old girl and a 29-year-old man—and injuring three.
