The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has issued a show cause order against the driver involved in a fatal crash in Cebu City after he tested positive for alcohol, while his driver’s license was placed under preventive suspension.
LTO-7 announced the administrative action on Wednesday, Sept. 23, following the early-morning crash along General Maxilom Avenue near Horizons 101 on Sept. 21 that killed a 27-year-old pedestrian and injured her American partner.
The agency issued the driver a Show Cause Order (SCO) for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
The driver also tested positive in an Alcohol Breath Analyzer (ABA) test conducted after the crash.
According to the traffic investigation, the vehicle struck the two pedestrians after it veered into the opposite lane along General Maxilom Avenue at around 2:51 a.m.
The female pedestrian, identified in the police report as Criza Jean Aque Concha, 27, died after being brought to the Cebu City Medical Center.
Her American live-in partner, John Charles Livingstone, 56, was injured and received medical treatment.
The driver, identified in the police report as Ralph Anthony Peggy Go, 25, was driving a white Toyota Fortuner when the crash occurred.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit earlier reported that Go told authorities he had suddenly become drowsy before losing control of the vehicle. He continued driving toward the Fuente Rotunda before stopping and later learned that his vehicle had struck pedestrians.
The earlier investigation also recorded an alcohol concentration of 0.384 in the driver’s breath test.
LTO-7 ordered Go to submit a sworn comment or explanation addressing the allegations and showing why he should not face administrative liability under existing laws and regulations.
The agency said the preventive suspension of his driver’s license will remain in effect while the administrative investigation is ongoing. The vehicle involved in the crash has also been placed under alarm.
Separately, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has requested the revocation of Go’s driver’s license in connection with the criminal case filed over the incident.
The LTO administrative proceedings are separate from the criminal case being handled by police and prosecutors. The show cause order gives Go an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the agency determines what administrative action, if any, should be imposed.
LTO-7 Regional Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan said the incident underscores motorists’ responsibility to ensure they are capable of driving safely before getting behind the wheel.
“Kung uminom, huwag nang magmaneho,” Dinglasan said.
He urged motorists to prioritize the safety of passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
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