The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao Region (LTFRB-Davao) has issued a show-cause order against the operator of a public utility jeepney (PUJ) involved in a viral confrontation between its driver and a female passenger along the Agdao–Matina Aplaya route in Davao City, initiating a formal investigation.
Show-Cause Order Issued, Hearing Scheduled
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing on July 8, LTFRB-Davao Transportation Development Officer II Engr. Ronnel Victor N. Panigon confirmed that the agency has directed the operator to explain the incident. A hearing is scheduled next week to allow both parties to present their accounts.
"We have issued a show-cause order to the operator and that unit, and we will set a hearing next week. There is due process to be done to explain the side of the driver and the complainant," Panigon said.
Panigon stated that the LTFRB has obtained copies of the viral video circulating on social media and is assessing whether the allegations of reckless driving are supported by evidence. He emphasized that the agency will adhere to due process before determining any administrative sanctions.
Passenger Alleges Reckless Driving in Viral Video
The controversy began when a passenger identified on Facebook as Jennifer Empresa uploaded a now-deleted video showing a heated exchange with the jeepney driver. The video quickly spread, drawing mixed reactions.
Empresa alleged that the driver operated the jeepney at excessive speed, causing her to fear for passenger and pedestrian safety. She claimed her knees trembled throughout the trip and that the jeepney nearly collided with other vehicles twice due to reckless driving. The driver reportedly insisted that the loud engine sound did not indicate high speed. The confrontation ended when a traffic enforcer stopped the vehicle and issued a citation.
However, another passenger, Roselle Santander Cruz, shared a contrasting account after riding the same jeepney. She identified the driver as Marcial Morante, who acknowledged the incident but said he chose not to argue because the passenger was already upset. Morante reportedly told Cruz he received a traffic citation with a penalty of over ₱2,000 and explained that his aging jeepney produces a loud engine despite difficulty accelerating. He demonstrated the vehicle's acceleration, showing gradual speed gain despite the noise. Cruz noted the jeepney struggled to accelerate near Kawayan Drive, making the alleged high speed unlikely.
Driver Denies Reckless Driving, Plans Legal Action
Morante, who has been driving jeepneys for nearly three decades, said this was the first time he faced a public accusation of reckless driving. He stressed he would never intentionally endanger passengers, noting his 10-year-old child regularly accompanies him and was seated inside during the incident.
"I am a passenger, so naturally I stay within the line. The line there is long concrete, asphalt. My speed is not fast, that is the truth. My child is always in the front seat," Morante said in a separate interview.
He intends to pursue legal action against the individual who uploaded the video, claiming it caused embarrassment to him and his family. Following Cruz's post, netizens and vloggers extended assistance, including cash donations and sacks of rice.
Traffic Enforcement Clarifies Violations
The Davao City Police Office's Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) clarified that Morante was not cited for overspeeding, contrary to social media claims. TEU chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Antonio Garcia said the violations were for reckless driving and unsafe swerving. He added that five passengers complained to responding officers about the driver's manner of driving, leading to the citations.
The LTFRB stated that the investigation's outcome will depend on evidence and testimonies presented during the hearing, after which the agency will determine whether further administrative action against the operator or driver is warranted.
