The driver of the SUV involved in the fatal incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, which left two passengers dead, may soon secure temporary freedom as the charges he faces are bailable, according to the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
The 47-year-old driver, who remains unidentified, has yet to speak to the media since the tragedy. He recently underwent online inquest proceedings before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office, where he was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.
Despite being represented by the PAO, the driver has not actively engaged in his defense, citing “mental block” as his reason for limited communication with his lawyer. “Basta ang sagot lang daw niya is mental block. ‘Yon lang daw ang sinagot niya sa lawyer natin, wala na,” shared Atty. Revelyn Ramos-Dacpano, Regional Public Attorney and Head Executive Support Staff of PAO-NCR, in an ABS-CBN News report.
The SUV owner has not contacted the PAO, though the driver is confirmed to be employed as a driver for a hardware store. PAO emphasized that despite the charges, the driver is entitled to his constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence.
Atty. Ramos-Dacpano further clarified that the charges against the driver are bailable, as the penalty is categorized under the correctional level, which ranges from two to six years of imprisonment.
“Bailable siya, one occurrence lang kasi ito parang one act, ito ‘yong mga naging biktima niya,” she explained.
PAO has also expressed its willingness to extend legal assistance to the victims should they seek help.
