Man who ran down 14 bikes will never drive again
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has permanently revoked the license of a UV Express driver who plowed into 14 motorbikes along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Friday, killing a motorist. In a statement on Saturday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the DOTr will ensure that the UV Express driver will “never be able to drive again.”
“The President has repeatedly said that our roads and motorists must be safe from such irresponsible and abusive drivers,” Lopez said. “We at the DOTr extend our heartfelt condolences to one of the victims who passed away.”
According to the DOTr, the investigation of the Quezon City Police District and the Land Transportation Office found that the UV Express driver named Ruel Flores dela Cerna used an illegal drug on Thursday evening, hours before the incident took place. Three other motorists reportedly suffered injuries from the incident, aside from the victim who died. The UV Express driver is already under the Quezon City Police District’s custody and facing multiple charges, the DOTr said.
Lopez instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to strictly implement Department Order No. 2025-008, which requires public transport operators to subject their drivers to mandatory drug testing, and expedite the completion of its implementing rules and regulations. The LTFRB was also directed to look into possible compensation of victims through the insurance company of UV Express, which is a public utility vehicle.
