Let’s talk about cab drivers. If you drive around Metro Manila every day, chances are you’ve already dealt with the same frustrations: taxis stopping wherever it’s convenient for them, clogging traffic behind; abruptly cutting into your lane without signal; and pulling random lefts, rights, or even U-turns from the wrong lane as if signal lights and other motorists don’t exist. Not all, but there are a lot of them.

Well, one cab driver is now staring at a suspended driver’s license, and possibly even permanent revocation, after allegedly cutting off authorities from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

According to LTO, the incident happened on May 7 along Panay Avenue in Quezon City, when the driver of a Green GSM cab allegedly swerved into the lane of an oncoming LTO patrol vehicle, which nearly caused a collision.

Things got worse when the driver reportedly ignored instructions from enforcers to pull over and instead sped away in an attempt to evade apprehension. After a chase involving mobile patrol units, the driver was eventually caught by none other than the LTO Assistant Secretary himself, Markus Lacanilao.

LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao apprehending the erring cab driver

Aside from being issued citations for Reckless Driving and Disregarding Traffic Signs, the cab driver’s license was also placed under a 90-day preventive suspension. The driver was further ordered to appear before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the LTO Central Office and explain why he should not be declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle,” a violation that may lead to the revocation of his driver’s license and the loss of his livelihood.

Lacanilao stressed that irresponsible and undisciplined drivers have no place on public roads, adding that simple traffic violations become far more serious when motorists choose to flee and ignore authorities. He also warned that the agency would make sure those who put public safety at risk would be held accountable.

The taxi operator has also been summoned by the LTO and may face separate penalties, including sanctions for allegedly “Employing a Reckless, Insolent, Discourteous, or Arrogant Driver.”

Meanwhile, the taxi unit involved in the incident has been placed under alarm status, meaning it cannot legally operate or pick up passengers until the LTO concludes its investigation and releases a final decision on the case.

Ever encountered a PUV driver who causes a collision because of bad driving, then suddenly brings up the “naghahanap buhay lang” card (while scratching his head) once the authorities step in?

Well, the LTO is now making it clear that earning a living is not an excuse for reckless behavior on the road.