He has since been sanctioned by authorities.
On Monday, August 24, actor-businessman Niño Muhlach issued a statement after his involvement in a vehicular accident in Antipolo City the day prior.
According to the accounts of the incident, Niño, who was driving his sports utility vehicle (SUV) at that time, rammed through some establishments and injured an individual.
Authorities told based on its preliminary findings that the crash was caused by a mechanical failure.
However, in his statement, Muhlach set the record straight and said that the accident was “entirely” his fault.
“Due to an extremely demanding and exhausting schedule, I fell asleep behind the wheel,” he said. “Because the incident occurred on a Sunday, my regular driver was on his scheduled day off, and I was driving myself.“
He also emphasized: “While fatigue overtook me, that is no excuse. Falling asleep at the wheel led directly to hitting a pedestrian and damaging nearby establishments.“
The actor-businessman also said that he takes full personal and legal responsibility for what happened.
“My priority right now is ensuring that the affected individual receives all necessary care, support, and medical assistance, and that all damages caused to the properties and establishments are fully compensated and rectified,” he furthered.
To conclude his statement, Muhlach said: “I am deeply sorry to the victim, their family, and everyone affected by my negligence. I am fully cooperating with authorities as this matter is being resolved.“
LTO ISSUES SCO AGAINST MUHLACH
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, August 25, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced the issuance of a Show Cause Order (SCO) and investigation into the incident.
Muhlach and his designated driver hace been directed to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on August 28, 2026 and submit sworn explanations and documents to support their side.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao stressed in a statement: “Bago pa man paandarin ang sasakyan, dapat alam na ng driver kung kaya niyang manatiling alerto hanggang sa makarating sa kaniyang destinasyon. Kung pagod o inaantok, huwag nang ipilit ang pagmamaneho dahil inilalagay lamang niya sa panganib ang kaniyang sarili, pati na rin ang ibang motorista at mga taong nasa paligid.”
Pending investigations, the vehicle has been placed under alarm status and directed Muhlach to surrender his driver’s license sa IID, which will be placed under a 90-day preventive suspension.
He might also face possible cases such as Reckless Driving, which might lead to the possible suspension or revocation of his license for being an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.”
“Tungkulin ng LTO na ipatupad ang mga batas, at tungkulin ko ring hindi palampasin ang mga ganitong insidente. Isasailalim natin ito sa due process,” Lacanilao added.
