ILOILO City – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has moved swiftly to investigate one of its fellow enforcement partners.
An employee of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 figured in a traffic accident in Jaro district.
LTO regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II confirmed that a show cause order was issued against Marvin Orbeta, an LTFRB staff member, following a vehicular collision along E. Lopez Street, Barangay San Vicente, on Oct. 6.
Orbeta’s red sedan figured in a crash with a motorcycle.
Geduspan emphasized that government workers tasked with enforcing transportation laws must be role models of road discipline.
“We do not tolerate reckless behavior on the road,” Geduspan said. “Those who enforce transport laws must be the first to follow them.”
Orbeta was ordered to explain within five days why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked.
In his formal reply dated Oct. 8, Orbeta denied recklessness, claiming he had already come to a full stop and was merely preparing to make a U-turn beyond the restricted area.
“I was exercising due care and diligence while preparing to execute a U-turn,” Orbeta said. “It was the motorcycle that hit my vehicle while I was at a full stop. In fact, the driver was apologetic for having struck the vehicle.”
He further stated that he immediately assisted the injured backrider, bringing her to a nearby hospital and later taking her home after confirming that the injuries were minor.
The LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit said Orbeta’s explanation will be assessed alongside eyewitness accounts and other evidence. The agency warned that failure to justify his actions may result in administrative penalties./PN