LTO issues SCO to ‘hawi boys’ involved in viral road rage incident

How many times have you been pushed aside by what seems to be a politician’s (or some businessman’s) convoy blasting through traffic with wang-wang and escorts? Me? Too many, especially on EDSA and around Manila.

I’ve had one swing a baton inches from me along EDSA, and another nearly clip me while I was on the bike lane riding an e-scooter along Padre Burgos in Manila. Yes, the bike lane. There were other incidents involving these convoys that I’ve witnessed, with some doing a formation on the road by blocking three lanes with their boss in the middle, while others, well, bullying their way through traffic.

I’m sure many of you have your own run-ins with these hawi boys and their bosses, who act as if we owe them everything and that the road is for their exclusive use. One such incident in Pampanga was caught on video.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) isn’t letting it slide, issuing a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the driver and owner of the involved Toyota Land Cruiser in the now viral road rage video.

According to the LTO, the viral video shows men aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser blocking a truck and engaging in what appears to be road rage. Other motorists were caught in the chaos, something the agency says could have led to serious road safety risks.

The LTO has already ordered the designated driver to immediately surrender his/her driver’s license, while the vehicle involved was already put on alarm status pending investigation.

The SCO also directs both the owner and the driver to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division. As part of due process, they will be required to submit formal explanations and supporting documents in response to charges of reckless driving, obstruction of traffic, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

Whatever sparked the anger, road rage has no place on the road as it puts lives at risk and turns a moment of frustration into a serious safety threat. The LTO is also urging the public to report similar incidents through its official social media channels or via e-mail as it steps up efforts to remove unfit drivers from the road.