CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has suspended for 90 days the driver’s license of Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica and ordered him to explain why he should not face administrative sanctions after he was caught on video counterflowing along a national highway in Minglanilla, Cebu, leading to a collision that went viral on social media.
The LTO-7 issued a show cause order directing Gica to appear before its Operations Division as part of an administrative investigation into the July 19 accident along the northbound lane of the national highway in Barangay Pakigne, Minglanilla. The video shows a speeding motorcycle driven by Gica colliding into a u-turning Toyota Hi-Ace van.
In its preliminary administrative evaluation, the agency cited possible violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, including reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without displaying the prescribed number plate, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, among other possible administrative offenses.
Gica was ordered to personally appear before the LTO-7 Operations Division within five days from receipt of the show cause order and submit a verified or sworn written explanation, together with supporting evidence.
Pending the outcome of the investigation and while the license is under preventive suspension, the LTO directed Gica to surrender his original driver’s license.
LTO-7 Regional Director Atty. Wendel C. Dinglasan emphasized that the preventive suspension and show cause order are part of due process and do not amount to a finding of administrative liability.
“The Land Transportation Office remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and without exception. 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,” Dinglasan said.
Meanwhile, Gica issued a public apology on his Facebook page, acknowledging that the accident resulted from his own mistake and accepting full responsibility.
“I was involved in a road incident caused entirely by my own mistake. I make no excuses. I was wrong, and I take full accountability for what happened,” Gica said.
He apologized to the owner and driver of the van involved in the collision and said he would shoulder the full cost of repairs and compensate them for reasonable losses while the vehicle remains out of service.
“I am committed to shouldering all damages and making full restitution without delay,” he said.
The mayor also expressed relief that no one was injured in the incident.
“Vehicles and property can be repaired or replaced, but human life and safety will always be of far greater importance,” he said.
Gica thanked the responding police officers and vowed to cooperate fully with authorities and comply with the proper legal process.
He likewise apologized to his fellow members of the HPG Tigers, saying the incident resulted solely from his own actions and should not be taken as a reflection of the organization’s values.
LTO-7, meanwhile, assured the public that the case would be resolved solely on the basis of the evidence presented and in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
| Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL
