MMDA to appeal decision rejecting request to revoke Carabuena's driver's license

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino on Tuesday said they would appeal the decision of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) denying MMDA's request to revoke Robert Blair Carabuena's driver's license.

MMDA had lodged a complaint against Carabuena, a tobacco firm executive, for slapping and verbally assaulting MMDA traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros while conducting traffic at the corner of Tandang Sora and Capitol Hills in Quezon City last August 11, 2012.

As a result of the incident, the agency requested LTO to revoke Carabuena's driver's license.

But in its decision, LTO found Carabuena not liable for violation of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, stating that the incident was only a "mere traffic violation which does not merit the harsh penalty of revocation of driver's license."

The LTO also said that he was not guilty of "operating or using a motor vehicle in, or as an accessory to, the commission of any crime or at which endangers the public."

Instead, LTO recommended that Carabuena be charged with Disregarding Traffic Signs/Disregarding Traffic Officer.

Tolentino said the agency would file a Motion for Reconsideration on LTO's ruling on the complaint it filed against Carabuena.

"Mr. Carabuena's action was not only a crime, but a clear and blatant disregard for authority," Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief maintained that people like Carabuena should not be allowed to drive as he poses danger not only to the traffic enforcers but also to the motorists.

"With that kind of temper and behavior he should not be allowed to drive along our roads because he is a danger not only to our enforcers, but to other motorists as well," he added.

"A mere issuance of warning is not enough for Mr. Carabuena and we still believe that his driver's license should be revoked," he added. (PNA)