MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of the survivor of the viral Marilaque Road “Superman stunt” after he was found guilty of being unfit to operate a motor vehicle after engaging in a dangerous stunt on a public road last month.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the decision was made based on the pieces of evidence and after giving Rico Akmad Buyawan the opportunity to explain as part of the due process.
“The driver’s license that the government is issuing to the motorists is a privilege that comes with a responsibility that those who would get it would observe road safety and be a responsible driver at all times,” said Asec Mendoza.
“Magsilbing aral sana ito sa lahat ng ating mga kasamang motorista, lalo na ang mga motorcycle rider, na hindi tamang lugar ang mga pampublikong kalsada sa mga ganitong gawain dahil ilalagay mo sa alanganin ang buhay ng ibang tao,” he added.
In the case of the Marilaque Road accident involving Buayan, it led to the death of another motovlogger, John Louie Arguelles, and inflicted injuries to at least six other people who were resting alongside the road.
The incident happened on January 8 at the Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay Rizal part of the Marilaque Road.
In the viral video, Buayan and Arguelles were seen performing a dangerous stunt and seconds later, the motorcycle of the former hit the latter which resulted in the fatal accident.
The motorcycles that crashed hit at least six other people who were resting in the area.
Based on the investigation report by the LTO-CALABARZON headed by Regional Director Elmer Decena, Buayan was found guilty of reckless driving and unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle, and recommended that his rider’s driver’ license be revoked.
The LTO has been aggressively advocating for road safety in line with the advocacy of DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista to ensure the safety of all road users under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan which is aimed at reducing road accidents in the country by at least 35 percent by 2028.
On the part of the LTO, it launched the “Stop Road Crash” campaign by promoting responsible driving through education, training and information drive. | Press Release
