Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Carabuena Faces Driving Ban – LTO

..MANILA, Philippines - The motorist who assaulted a traffic constable of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may likely be barred from driving any motor vehicle. This, after Robert Blair Carabuena failed to show up at the summary hearing of his case at the Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region (LTO NCR) yesterday. LTO-NCR Director Teofilo Guadiz III said Carabuena's no-show is equivalent to "waiving his right to present evidence on his defense," particularly on the MMDA's request to have his driver's license revoked for assaulting Saturnino Fabros last month. "Mr. Carabuena didn't have the courtesy to show up and request for an extension if he wanted more time to prepare his defense. There was neither any call nor manifestation so we will only decide based on the affidavit-complaint of Mr. Fabros," Guadiz said. The transportation official said their decision on Carabuena's case is geared toward revocation of the driver's license, as requested by MMDA, which would mean "lifetime disbarment from driving any motor vehicle." But Guadiz admitted that Carabuena could still appeal the LTO-NCR's decision to revoke his license to drive before the Secretary of Transportation and Communications.