Laguna: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of a driver and summoned the owner of a truck involved in a crash in Mabitac, Laguna that resulted in one fatality and injured two others.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II stated that the incident occurred when the truck lost its brakes while traveling along the Mabitac National Highway on August 29, leading to the death of a 65-year-old fruit vendor. Both the driver and the truck owner have been called to justify why they should not face penalties, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance road safety measures.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of laws related to truck operations, highlighting initiatives such as surprise inspections to check for compliance with safety regulations, including prevention of overloading and use of worn-out tires. He noted that over 9,000 trucks were apprehended for overloading in the first half of 2025, with additional penalties issued for other violations.

Initial investigations revealed that the truck crashed into a house after losing its brakes, with a viral video showing the driver jumping out of the vehicle. A show cause order signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Renante Melitante requires the driver to explain why he should not be charged with reckless driving and deemed unfit to operate a motor vehicle.

The truck owner has also been asked to justify employing a reckless driver and to provide proof of the vehicle’s roadworthiness maintenance and inspection. The truck has been placed on alarm, and the driver must surrender his license for a 90-day suspension as the investigation proceeds.