LTO: Angkas official can’t drive for 90 days
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended for 90 days the driver’s license of Angkas chief executive officer George Royeca after he admitted organizing a motorcade for the motorcycle taxi’s riders who obstructed a busy intersection in Cainta, Rizal, on Feb. 2.
In an interview on Telerado Serbisyo on Monday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II initially said Royeca’s license was revoked. However, the agency later clarified it was only preventively suspended for 90 days, pending an investigation.
A viral video of the Feb. 2 incident showed scores of Angkas riders blocking Cainta Junction—the intersection of Ortigas Avenue Extension, A. Bonifacio Avenue and Felix Avenue—for more than two minutes. In addition, they also violated a prominently displayed no left turn sign so that their convoy could easily traverse through the busy highway on their way to the LTO “unity motorcade” on Marilaque Highway.
According to Mendoza, Royeca surrendered to the LTO after the incident and took responsibility for the “mistake” of the Angkas riders.
Other riders probed
Mendoza said the LTO was investigating other Angkas riders on their “exact participation” in the traffic flow obstruction incident.
Those involved are being probed for being an “improper person to operate a motor vehicle” under Section 27 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Angkas’ Facebook page, which has gained a following for its witty posts, poked fun at its owner’s current situation. “Congrats, George! Promoted ka na to passenger (You are promoted to a passenger),” it said.
In a message to the Inquirer, Royeca said they “fully respect and accept” the LTO decision in their case.
“Following the voluntary surrender of my license, we are prepared to face any consequences and adhere to the due process. While we await the LTO’s decision, we remain committed to taking full accountability for our actions,” he added.
Public apology
The 43-year-old Royeca is aiming for a seat in the House of Representatives as the first nominee of the Ang Kasangga party list in the midterm elections.
He previously issued a public apology a day after the incident, acknowledging the “lack of discipline, disregard for safety, and noncompliance with traffic rules” of his Angkas riders.
“I take full responsibility. There are no excuses for our actions. I humbly ask for the public’s sincere forgiveness, as well as that of our passengers, fellow motorists, and authorities. We will do better,” he said.
Cainta Mayor Elenita Nieto sanctioned Angkas, ordering the company to conduct community service as a penalty.
