Bus driver caught using his phone while driving faces 90-day license suspension

• LTO suspended a Kersteen Joyce Transport bus driver for 90 days after he was caught g@mbling on his phone while driving
• LTO’s Greg Pua called out the driver’s dangerous addiction, citing risk to passengers' safety
• The driver faces charges under R.A. 4136 and the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, with possible license revocation
• The bus firm must explain why it employed the reckless driver; the bus has also been flagged in the LTO system

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of a bus driver caught playing an online g@mbling game while driving, following the viral spread of a passenger-taken video on social media.

In a statement released Monday, LTO Acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua confirmed that a 90-day suspension was imposed on the driver, who works for Kersteen Joyce Transport.

The suspension was issued through a show cause order.

“Malala na yata ang addiction ng driver na ito sa online g@mbling to the point na nilagay niya sa alanganin ang kaligtasan ng mga pasahero, hindi po natin ito palalampasin,” Pua said, stressing that the driver’s actions endangered passenger safety and would not be tolerated.

The incident aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to pursue undisciplined drivers and strengthen road safety measures.

The video, filmed by a commuter, showed the driver engaging in online g@mbling while navigating the Silang-Dasmariñas route in Cavite.

The driver is now facing multiple charges, including violations of the Reckless Driving provision under Section 48 of Republic Act 4136, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act under Section 4 of R.A. 10913, and may also lose his license entirely under Section 27(a) of R.A. 4136 for being considered an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

The LTO has also placed the bus involved on alert to block any pending or future transactions. Additionally, the bus company has been asked to justify its employment of the reckless driver and explain why it should not be held liable.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In news abroad, Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore to claim her remains and arrange her burial. Her decomposed body was found in a DHA Phase-VI apartment during a court-ordered eviction; she is believed to have died 8–10 months ago. DNA tests and chemical analyses are underway to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death, as no injuries were found. Sindh officials, including Governor Kamran Tessori, offered to handle the funeral after initial reports suggested the family declined custody.

In other news, Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco died from coca1ne effects, with heart disease as a contributing factor, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. His death was ruled accidental, and the case remains open under file number 2025-04377. Tantoco passed away on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a day after attending the Manila International Film Festival. He is survived by his wife Dina Arroyo, niece of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their three children.

Source: KAMI.com.gh