Luxury SUV in Mandaluyong Hit-and-Run Not Registered to Lawmaker Despite House Stickers

A luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) involved in a hit-and-run in Mandaluyong City was not registered to a lawmaker despite bearing House of Representatives stickers. A white Toyota Land Cruiser crashed into a motorcycle with a passenger around 4:12 a.m. on July 10 along Ortigas Avenue. According to police, the incident happened along the westbound lane of Ortigas Avenue in front of La Salle Green Hills in Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City. The suspect was identified as a 20-year-old driver and resident of Sta. Mesa, Manila. The SUV crashed into the rear part of the motorcycle, instantly killing its female passenger. The motorcycle rider, meanwhile, sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The suspect attempted to flee toward San Juan City but was later apprehended and turned over to the Mandaluyong police. He is facing criminal charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injury and damage to property. The SUV bore stickers with the logo of the House of Representatives, which were placed on the front and rear windshields. It was also reported to have the license plate SSS-11. House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil later said that the vehicle was not registered to a House lawmaker, based on a verification with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). There was also no record of the SUV being issued a vehicle pass during the 19th and 20th Congress. Nevertheless, Garafil said that the House is offering its deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was hit by the vehicle. “Kaisa po kami sa kanilang pagdadalamhati sa napakahirap na panahong ito,” she said in a statement. Garafil also said the House will share new information once it has confirmed additional details about the incident. Meanwhile, the LTO has already issued a show-cause order to the driver and the registered owner of the SUV, asking them to explain why they should not be held liable for the offenses of tampering of authorized motor vehicle license plates and/or third plate stickers, reckless driving and allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. The agency also said it has placed the vehicle under alarm amid the investigation. The suspect’s driver’s license was likewise placed under a 90-day preventive suspension and he was asked to surrender it to the agency. “Walang sinuman ang higit sa batas. Hindi magiging batayan ang anumang katungkulan, posisyon, o impluwensya upang makaiwas sa pananagutan,” LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao said. “Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang patas at walang kinikilingan para sa kaligtasan ng bawat gumagamit ng lansangan,” he added.