Niño Muhlach with wife Diane Abby Tupaz Photo Facebook/@dianeabby
MANILA — The Land Transportation Office has revoked actor Niño Muhlach’s driver’s license for two years after concluding its investigation into an Aug. 23 crash in Antipolo City that injured a man and damaged several establishments.
The LTO said its investigation and hearing found Muhlach liable for reckless driving and classified him as an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.” The agency said severe exhaustion preceded his loss of control of the sport utility vehicle, which crossed into the opposite lane and struck three establishments and a parked motorcycle.
Muhlach had earlier acknowledged falling asleep while driving and said the crash was “entirely my fault.” He said he would take responsibility for the injured person and property damage.
The LTO initially imposed a 90-day preventive suspension, issued a show-cause order and placed the vehicle on alarm status. The agency said the SUV would remain under alarm status while its resolution is in effect.
The ruling followed a separate public dispute involving Nicolas Villanueva, who was injured in the crash. Villanueva had complained that his damaged motorcycle had not been replaced and that he remained unable to work.
Muhlach’s wife, Diane Abby Tupaz, responded that the actor had continued providing assistance and that an insurer was processing the motorcycle claim. Those details were her account.
Villanueva later apologized to Muhlach and his family, saying emotion over the motorcycle had influenced his earlier remarks. He also deleted his earlier post.
The two-year revocation was announced Sept. 16 after the agency’s hearing.
