The driver’s license of a motorcycle rider, who appeared to be a police officer, seen driving his motorcycle recklessly in the bike lane without a helmet has been suspended for 90 days, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Thursday.
‘In the viral video, a uniformed police rider can be seen passing through the bicycle lane without wearing any protective helmet while driving his motorcycle recklessly,’ the DOTr said in Filipino in a statement.
According to the DOTr, the supposed policeman was identified as Homer Sanares Urbano; however, the location where the incident took place was not disclosed.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show-cause order to Urbano, requiring him to explain why he should not be held liable for disregarding a traffic sign and violating the mandatory use of motorcycle helmets.
Urbano was also asked to explain why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
Apart from the 90-day license suspension, Urbano’s motorcycle was placed under alarm to prevent any transactions while the case is under investigation.
Following this, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that no one is exempt from traffic laws, including police officers.
‘Anyone who violates traffic laws will be subject to appropriate punishment. Even if it is a police officer, he is expected to help enforce and respect traffic laws,’ Lopez said, as quoted in the statement.