Driver who went on GTA-like rampage in Paranaque summoned by LTO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the driver of a vehicle believed to be a Mitsubishi Mirage following a GTA-like rampage along Quirino Avenue in Parañaque City last week.

To those who are not familiar, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is an open-world video game where players freely explore a city, often using vehicles to commit violent acts like hitting pedestrians, causing crashes, or escaping police, alongside completing missions.

In a video that went viral on social media, the car was seen traveling along the road when it suddenly swerved and struck a parked motorcycle on the roadside. According to the LTO, the driver also reportedly hit a pedestrian and a parked e-bike during the incident before fleeing the scene.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the registered owner and driver of the vehicle involved have been directed to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID). They are also required to submit a verified or sworn comment/explanation, along with supporting original documents, to justify why they should not be charged with Reckless Driving and Violation of the Duty of a Driver in Case of an Accident, and why their driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked for being deemed an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

Pending the outcome of the proceedings, the vehicle will be placed under alarm status, while the driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days. The driver is likewise ordered to surrender his license upon receipt of the show cause order.

The agency said that failure to appear and submit the required explanation will be construed as a waiver of the right to be heard, and the case will be resolved based on the available evidence. The respondents, however, may seek legal counsel to assist them during the investigation.