The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has permanently revoked the driver’s license of the motorist who struck a Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) traffic enforcer while managing traffic at a busy intersection earlier this month.
The agency said the driver’s actions showed that he was no longer fit to continue operating a motor vehicle.
LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao approved the revocation of Bartolome Robles Piol’s driver’s license after finding him administratively liable for reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Piol figured in the July 1 incident that injured CCTO traffic enforcer Jovanie Verano at the intersection of Escario Street and Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.
In a statement released Friday, the LTO said its investigation showed that Piol ignored the traffic enforcer’s signal, hit him while he was performing his duties, attempted to leave the area without providing assistance, and committed actions that placed public safety at risk.
The agency said CCTV footage, police reports, and other documentary evidence were considered during the administrative proceedings.
“The revocation of a driver’s license is reserved for those whose actions clearly show they are no longer fit to exercise the privilege of driving. This decision sends a strong message that LTO will not tolerate reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous behavior on our roads. The safety of the motoring public and our traffic enforcers will always come first,” LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan said.
The LTO reiterated that a driver’s license is a privilege and that motorists are expected to observe discipline, responsibility, and compliance with traffic laws.
The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on July 1, when Verano was directing traffic near the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Based on earlier reports, Verano stopped vehicles from the Banawa-Guadalupe route after traffic congestion built up along Escario Street and prevented vehicles from blocking the intersection.
After signaling a white Isuzu MU-X to stop, Verano shifted his attention to motorists along Osmeña Boulevard and directed vehicles toward V. Sotto Street.
Moments later, the SUV accelerated, hit Verano from behind, and knocked him to the ground.
The vehicle ran over his left hand, causing injuries to several fingers.
Instead of stopping immediately, the SUV continued moving. Verano called for assistance while parking attendant Ariel Daan pursued the vehicle on foot and helped stop it before authorities took the driver into custody.
Authorities later identified the driver as Piol, a 62-year-old retired engineer from Toledo City.
Piol told investigators that he accidentally released the brake pedal of his automatic transmission vehicle, panicked, and failed to notice the traffic enforcer ahead of him.
Verano later received medical treatment for his injuries, while Piol committed to shoulder his medical expenses.
Following the incident, LTO 7 conducted an administrative investigation while police pursued possible criminal charges based on CCTV footage and witness accounts.
On July 3, the agency issued a show cause order, placed Piol’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension, and placed the Isuzu MU-X under alarm status to prevent transactions involving the vehicle during the investigation.
Piol appeared before the LTO Operations Division on July 6 to surrender his license and respond to the administrative charges.
With the latest ruling, Piol is permanently barred from driving, marking one of the strongest administrative penalties imposed by the LTO against a motorist.
The agency said the decision serves as a reminder that motorists who endanger road users, including traffic enforcers carrying out official duties, may face the loss of their driving privileges aside from possible criminal liability.
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