(Eagle News)–The Land Transportation Office on Friday, Aug. 23, said it revoked the driver’s license of a Grab driver after he was accused of sexually molesting his passenger while aboard the vehicle.
LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante revoked the license of Anselmo B. Benigno based on the recommendation of LTO National Capital Region West Regional Director and concurrent Acting Director for Law Enforcement Service Clarence V. Guinto.
This was after Benigno, who was accused by the passenger of trying to lift her skirt while sleeping, repeatedly failed to appear in the hearings at the LTO Central Office set by the agency on the case.
Instead, in a phone call, Benigno said that he would no longer drive for Grab.
“By not attending the hearing, Mr. Benigno has waived his right to be heard. The LTO was constrained to rule on the charges based on the evidence on hand,” Guinto said.
Guinto said the LTO found Benigno’s behavior a violation of Section 27 (a) of R.A. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
“Mr. Benigno abused his privilege to drive and failed to comply with the conduct necessary for the continued possession and enjoyment of the said privilege,” Guinto said.
The LTO said that a copy of the case records will be forwarded to the Taguig PNP for “appropriate criminal action.”
The LTO said a copy of the records will also be given to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board “for appropriate action” against Benigno’s employer.
“It must be remembered that in hiring a professional driver, the employer has the obligation to exercise extra due diligence,” Guinto said.
