LTO suspends bus driver's license 90 days, caught gambling online

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the license of a Kersteen Joyce Transport Bus driver for 90 days after he was caught allegedly gambling online while driving on Monday.

A passenger recorded and shared a video showing the driver playing an online gambling application during his route from Silang to Dasmarinas, which went viral on social media.

LTO acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua emphasized that the driver's addiction to online gambling jeopardized passengers' safety and vowed not to tolerate such behavior.

The driver faces charges for reckless driving and distracted driving under Sections 48 and 27(a) of RA 4136, as well as violating RA 10913.

The bus company was instructed to explain why it should not face sanctions for hiring a reckless driver or risk having its case decided without further input.

Several bills have been proposed to either ban online gambling entirely or restrict public access to it.

PAGCOR is investigating the origins and networks of illegal online gambling, while influencers are being told to stop promoting such activities.