LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II. (PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday said it would soon release its decision on the case of former police Wilfredo Gonzales who drew and cocked his firearm against a cyclist in a viral road rage video.
In an interview over Radyo 630, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the LTO National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to release its decision by Tuesday or within the next few days.
“[LTO NCR] will come up with the resolution, malamang bukas kasi may budget hearing po kami ngayon, pero pag-uusapan po natin yan (probably tomorrow because we have a budget hearing today, but we will talk about it),” Mendoza said.
Since Gonzales failed to show up and was instead represented by his son during the Aug. 31 hearing, the case will be decided based on the available evidence.
“Since hindi siya nagbigay ng kanyang salaysay, ‘yung kanyang sariling posisyon, option niya ‘yun. So, we are forced to decide based on kung ano lang available na ebidensiya samin (He did not provide testimony, his personal view of the case, is his option. So, we are forced to decide based on whatever evidence is available to us),” he said.
The LTO’s decision, he said, may range from a temporary license suspension to a lifetime termination of his license.
“If there is no justifiable reason para maglabas siya ng baril sa ganung pamamaraan, eh suspension po ‘yan or lifetime (If there is no justifiable reason for him to draw his gun in that manner, that’s either a temporary suspension or lifetime termination),” Mendoza said.
During the hearing, LTO NCR acting assistant director Hanzley Lim said Gonzales’ son surrendered his father’s driver’s license.
Since Gonzales failed to submit a notarized affidavit, Lim said it will be taken as his waiver to hear and contradict allegations made against him.
Gonzales faces four alleged violations — disregarding traffic sign, obstruction of traffic, reckless driving and improper person to operate a vehicle. (PNA)
