LTO won't revoke Carabuena driver's license

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino expressed dismay over the decision of the Land Transportation Office not to revoke the driver's license of Robert Blair Carabuena after he was caught abusing a traffic constable.

MMDA requested for the revocation of Carabuena's license after he was caught on camera assaulting traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros at the Tandang Sora - Capitol Hills intersection in Quezon City August 11 last year.

In a 7-page decision, LTO found Carabuena not guilty of violating Section 21 of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and of "operating or using a motor vehicle in, or as an accessory to, the commission of any crime or at which endangers the public."

The LTO said what Carabuena did was a "mere traffic violation which does not merit the harsh penalty of revocation."

It only recommended that Carabuena be charged with disregarding traffic signs and disregarding traffic officer.

In a statement released Tuesday, Tolentino said: "Mr. Carabuena's action was not only a crime, but a clear and blatant disregard for authority. People like him with that kind of temper and behavior should not be allowed to drive along our roads because he is a danger not only to our enforcers, but to other motorists as well. This is not simply disregarding a traffic officer."

"A mere issuance of warning is not enough for Mr. Carabuena and we still believe that his driver's license should be revoked," Tolentino added.

He said MMDA will be filing a motion for reconsideration on the case.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

PNP revokes gun permits of Bantiles, Carabuena

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has revoked the gun permits of Allan Bantiles and Robert Blair Carabuena after both figured in separate controversial incidents, a radio dzMM report said.


PNP – Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) chief Raul Petrasanta is expected to release within the day an order to have the two guns of Bantiles confiscated.

The PNP – FEO granted the request of the camp of Colegio San Agustin student Jaime Garcia who earlier accused Bantiles of poking a gun at his face.

 The gun-poking incident stemmed from Bantiles' son's alleged bullying of Garcia. Bantiles, through his lawyer, has denied the accusation.

 Garcia on Tuesday filed charges of murder, slander and slander by deed against Bantiles before the Makati City prosecutor’s office.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, meanwhile, confirmed requesting the PNP – FEO to revoke the gun permit of Carabuena. Thereafter, the PNP asked for a copy of the complaint as basis for the revocation.

Carabuena, an executive for a tobacco company, is facing charges for slapping a traffic enforcer. The incident was caught on video by a local TV station and posted on YouTube.

MMDA traffic czar Yves Gonzalez said the agency sent a copy of the complaint to the FEO, requesting for the revocation of Carabuena's firearm license, permit to carry and permit to transfer. The MMDA also asked for the revocation of Carabuena's driver's license.

Carabuena's gun, meanwhile, has yet to be confiscated after its permit was revoked weeks ago.- with a report from Edwin Sevidal, dzMM

source: abs-cbnnews.com