LTO Suspends Licenses of 2 Drivers for Obstructing Firetrucks in Makati

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver's licenses of two individuals in Makati City for obstructing firetruck responses. The LTO's Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) made the decision following hearings conducted after viral videos emerged showing the disruptions. In one incident, a driver was found double-parking along Macabulos Street in Barangay Bangkal. The driver admitted to the act, explaining that his vehicle was undergoing repairs, mounted on a jack with a wheel removed, making immediate relocation impossible. Despite this explanation, the LTO found the driver guilty of traffic obstruction and parking in prohibited areas. Consequently, his driver's license has been suspended for three months. The second case involved a driver in Guadalupe Nuevo who seemingly refused to yield to an approaching firetruck. While the driver claimed he had no intention of obstructing and could not find a place to pull over, LTO footage indicated available spaces on the right side of the road where he could have temporarily moved aside. This driver was found guilty of violating failure to yield right of way for emergency vehicles and obstruction of traffic, leading to a one-year license suspension. Both drivers' licenses have been surrendered to the IID, and their vehicles are under alarm status. LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao urged the public to strictly adhere to traffic laws, emphasizing the critical need to give way to emergency vehicles. "Every second counts, as lives may be at stake in every response. We hope all drivers understand this responsibility," Lacanilao stated. Information Source: GMA News Philippines