THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) defended the legality of a citation ticket issued to a public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver who was accused of reckless driving, while regional transport regulators confirmed that a formal investigation is underway.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 8, DCPO spokesperson Major Ma. Teresita Gaspan asserted that personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit acted well within their authority when they flagged down the driver of the Matina Aplaya-Agdao route jeepney for reported overspeeding and reckless driving.
Gaspan revealed that the police intervention was prompted by immediate safety concerns from the passengers themselves, who reported being thrown from their seats due to the vehicle’s erratic movements.
”That is the violation; it is legal. The issuance of the citation ticket is legit,” Gaspan said. “In fact, the passengers complained that he was driving very fast and swerving. They claimed they fell from their seats, so that is already a complaint and a clear violation. It was only right that he was issued a citation ticket or temporary operator’s permit (TOP).”
LTFRB steps in
In tandem with local law enforcement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI has launched its own administrative inquiry.
Engr. Ronnel Panigon, LTFRB XI transportation development officer, announced that a show cause order has been officially served to both the driver and the operator of the jeepney unit.
Panigon emphasized that the LTFRB’s sanctions operate independently of police citations and carry escalating financial and operational penalties.
”There is due process, and we still have to investigate. The citation from the police is separate from ours,” Panigon explained. “The first penalty is ₱5,000. We are checking his record, but a second offense carries a ₱10,000 fine, and a third offense will result in the cancellation of their franchise.”
He added that the show cause order mandates the driver and operator to explain the incident, ensuring administrative due process even in the absence of a formal face-to-face confrontation with the complainants.
Driver denies allegations
Meanwhile, the jeepney driver defended his actions in a separate interview with GMA TV Davao, countering the reckless driving claims and arguing that his maneuvering was standard practice for a commuter vehicle.
”They claim my driving was improper, but in my mind, how could it be improper when I was just driving for passengers?” the driver said in the interview.
“It is only natural for me to weave in and out of the lane. My speed was really not fast—that is the truth.”
The upcoming LTFRB hearing next week is expected to review the viral footage, passenger statements, and the driver’s defense to determine the final regulatory penalties.
