DOTr revokes driver's license of lawyer for running over enforcer

Demonstrating its commitment to road safety and traffic law enforcement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has instructed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to permanently revoke the driver’s license of a woman, who claimed to be a lawyer, for running over a traffic enforcer in Kawit, Cavite.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the woman, who boasted about her profession during the incident, will be barred from driving for life. The move is a direct response to the President’s repeated directive to hold abusive drivers accountable for their actions on the road.

“Pag kayo ay hindi sumunod sa batas, kayang-kayang tanggalin ng gobyerno, ng LTO, ang lisensya n’yo. Either temporarily, or in the case ng mga grabeng violators, forever o habambuhay kayong hindi makaka-maneho, makakasuhan pa kayo…Nagyayabang pa itong [driver] na kesyo abogado sya. Kung abogado ka, mananagasa ka ba ng enforcer? Okay, since abogado ka, harapin mo itong mga parating sa ‘yo [na kaso],” said Dizon.

(If you all are not following the law, the government, the LTO, can remove your license. Either temporarily, or in the case of serious violators, you will not be able to drive forever or for life, you will even be sued...This [driver] is even boasting that she’s a lawyer. Does it mean that if you’re a lawyer, you can just run over an enforcer? Okay, since you’re a lawyer, face these legal charges that are coming to you.)

The traffic enforcer, Michael Trajico, recounted the harrowing ordeal, sharing that he was simply doing his job when he tried to flag down the driver who was allegedly fleeing from a traffic incident, as reported by another motorist. That’s when the driver ran him over, and Trajico added that he clung to the hood of the vehicle for nearly 15 minutes as the driver continued to speed, not stopping until she parked the vehicle in front of her home. It was then that the driver berated Trajico with expletives and dared him to file a lawsuit.

Dizon assured the traffic enforcer that the DOTr will provide legal assistance, urging him not to be intimidated. “Michael, we have your back. Don’t be afraid to file a case against her, just because she’s a lawyer,” added Dizon.