LTO suspends Dumanjug mayor’s driver’s license pending probe into Minglanilla crash

The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has placed the driver’s license of Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica under a 90-day preventive suspension while it investigates possible traffic violations arising from a motorcycle crash in Minglanilla, Cebu.

The preventive suspension, announced through a show cause order issued by LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan on Tuesday, July 21, follows the road incident that occurred on July 19 along the northbound lane of the national highway in Barangay Pakigne.

As part of the administrative proceedings, Gica has been directed to surrender his driver’s license and personally appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division within five days from receipt of the order.

He is also required to submit a verified written explanation, together with any supporting documents or evidence, addressing the alleged violations.

LTO 7 emphasized that the issuance of a show cause order is a standard administrative procedure and should not be interpreted as a finding of liability.

“The Land Transportation Office remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially and without exception,” Dinglasan said.

“Regardless of one’s position or status, every motorist is equally accountable under the law, while every respondent is afforded full due process before any final administrative action is taken,” he added.

According to the LTO’s initial assessment, the crash involved Gica’s motorcycle and a Toyota Hi-Ace van.

The agency said its review of a viral video of the incident indicated that the motorcycle appeared to have traveled against the normal flow of traffic by passing through a U-turn slot designated for vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

Based on its preliminary findings, the LTO is looking into possible violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, including reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, operating a motor vehicle without the prescribed number plate under Section 18, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle under Section 27.

The agency said any administrative sanctions will depend on the outcome of its investigation and the evidence presented during the proceedings.

Gica, however, denied intentionally violating traffic regulations, particularly allegations that he was operating his motorcycle without a license plate.

During a phone interview with reporters on Wednesday, July 22, the mayor explained that the temporary plate attached to his motorcycle became loose while he was riding, prompting him to remove it and keep it inside his bag to avoid losing it.

“Nakakita ang mga police sa plate number ug sa mga documents nako, resibo sa motor, certification sa akong motor. Legal na ang akong motor,” Gica said.

He maintained that police officers who responded to the crash were able to verify the motorcycle’s registration after examining its documents.

Gica also rejected claims that he had taken advantage of his position as mayor.

“Wala sab ko nag-abusar nga nag-ride ko nga way plate number. Natiming lang nga pag-ride nako nagkawil-kawil na ang plate number. Gitangtang lang nako ug gisulod sa bag,” he stated.

The mayor confirmed that authorities took custody of his motorcycle following the incident as part of the investigation.

Although he was not admitted to a hospital, Gica said he received an anti-tetanus injection after the crash.

He added that he continues to experience pain in his ribs and discomfort when speaking, noting that he is still recovering from a separate motorcycle trail accident he figured in last June.

According to Gica, he is also scheduled to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on both shoulders as part of his ongoing medical evaluation from the earlier accident.

The administrative investigation will continue during the 90-day preventive suspension period, during which the LTO will evaluate the mayor’s written explanation, documentary evidence, and other information gathered in the case.

Following the proceedings, the LTO will determine whether Gica committed any violations of existing transportation laws and whether additional administrative sanctions or penalties should be imposed.

Until then, the agency said the investigation will proceed in accordance with due process and applicable regulations.