The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has suspended for 90 days the driver’s license of Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica after a dashcam video showed him allegedly counterflowing before colliding with a van in Minglanilla.
The agency also issued a show cause order directing Gica to explain why administrative sanctions should not be imposed over the July 19, 2026 road incident along the northbound lane of the National Highway in Barangay Pakigne.
The dashcam footage, which circulated online, showed a motorcycle driven by Gica traveling against the flow of traffic before hitting a Toyota Hi-Ace van driven by Vincent Lacuña while the vehicle was making a U-turn at a designated opening.
The Minglanilla Municipal Police Station confirmed Gica’s involvement through a police blotter report.
Authorities also noted that the Ducati motorcycle he was driving did not have a license plate.
The two parties later agreed to settle the matter privately, with Gica committing to shoulder the repair costs for the van, including the replacement of its damaged side window.
However, LTO 7 said its own evaluation found possible violations under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, including reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without the required plate number, and other possible administrative offenses.
Under the show cause order, Gica was required to personally appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division within five days from receipt of the order and submit a verified or sworn written explanation with supporting documents.
He was also ordered to surrender his original driver’s license while the preventive suspension remains in effect pending the completion of the administrative investigation.
LTO 7 Director Atty. Wendel C. Dinglasan clarified that the suspension is a preventive measure and does not mean Gica has already been found administratively liable.
“The Land Transportation Office remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and without exception. Regardless of one’s position or status, every motorist is equally accountable under the law, while every respondent is afforded full due process before any final administrative action is taken,” Dinglasan said.
Gica earlier admitted responsibility for the collision and apologized over the incident.
“I was involved in a road incident caused entirely by my own mistake. I make no excuses. I was wrong, and I take full accountability for what happened,” Gica said.
He apologized to Lacuña and the owner of the van, saying he would cover the repair expenses and provide compensation for reasonable losses while the vehicle remains unavailable.
Gica also said no one was injured in the crash, emphasizing that vehicles and property could be repaired or replaced but that safety and human life remained the priority.
The mayor, who identified himself as a member of the HPG Tigers after completing the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group’s Executive Motorcycle Riding Course, also apologized to fellow members of the organization.
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