The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a stern reminder to vehicle owners in Manila to keep their cars well-maintained, following a recent incident where a taxi burst into flames on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, emphasized that both drivers and operators are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good condition, as stipulated by their licenses and permits. Mendoza highlighted the critical importance of maintenance, noting that the safety of passengers and other road users is at risk. The reminder came after a hearing concerning the taxi fire in Barangay Santo Cristo, Quezon City, which occurred around 9 p.m. on January 8. The driver involved claimed the fire started in the engine and now faces charges of reckless driving for operating an unsafe vehicle. The taxi’s operator, who purchased the vehicle in August 2023 but had not yet transferred ownership, also faces scrutiny. Both the driver and operator were found to have breached a directive from the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City by tampering with the scene without clearance. The case is under review to determine the liability of the driver for reckless driving and the operator for negligence in vehicle maintenance. Additional potential violations include breaches of the anti-carnapping law and the LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2023-27, which prohibits the acceptance of applications for the sale and transfer of Certificates of Public Convenience.
LTO Urges Vehicle Owners to Maintain Cars Properly Following Taxi Fire Incident
·
