The Land Transportation Office (LTO) declared that the driver responsible for the fatal car accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 has been convicted of reckless driving and has been imposed a fine of P2,000, which is the highest penalty under existing traffic laws.
As per Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, LTO chief assistant secretary, said the driver’s license has been suspended for 4 years as part of the punishment. This is according to Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which identifies reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle that puts property, personal safety, or the rights of others in danger.
On May 4, at NAIA Terminal 1, the driver, who is 47 years old and hails from Batangas, drove his SUV into the Departure West Curbside Area of NAIA Terminal. Such an act resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to others. He was immediately arrested by officers from the NAIA Police Station 1, which is under the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP).
A show cause order was served by the LTO to both the driver and the registered owner of the vehicle. The driver tested negative, however, for alcohol and illegal drugs and has now been charged with a criminal case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries, and property damage under the Revised Penal Code.
The driver was freed on May 16 from imprisonment after paying a bail deposit of P100,000.
In response to the tragedy, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the corporation running the airport, is now initiating a full audit of all safety bollards and redesigning the passenger drop-off areas to improve safety and avoid similar events in the future.
