Yesterday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez ordered the immediate and lifetime driver’s license revocation of the motorist who rammed a student in Rizal, which was caught on CCTV and has since gone viral on social media. The driver claims that the student, who was riding a scooter, sideswiped his vehicle and attempted to flee the scene.

While many motorists believe the lifetime driving ban imposed by the DOTr is justified, arguing that no explanation can excuse the driver’s actions, especially when a young life is put at risk, others contend that accountability should also extend to the student, his parents, and the registered owner of the scooter.

We followed up with the DOTr, and officials said that yes, the student, along with his parents and the registered owner of the scooter, were all included in the LTO’s Show Cause Order (SCO). The parents are expected to explain why they are allowing a minor to drive a scooter without the required driver’s license, as well as what appears to be other traffic and equipment violations on the scooter.

“Yang driver na ‘yan, walang karapatan magmaneho sa kalsada. Sabihin na nating totoo mang nasagi ‘yung kanyang sasakyan. Tama bang habulin at bundulin mo ‘yung bata?” said Lopez. “No amount of explanation can justify his actions. Mas may edad siya eh, dapat alam niya kung ano ang tama,” Acting Secretary Banoy Lopez earlier stated.