The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a new memorandum allowing the agency to pursue driver’s license revocation against motorists found to have endangered pedestrians, following its earlier announcement of a proposed “One Strike Policy” for pedestrian lane-related incidents.

LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao issued Memorandum No. MVL-2026-229, which sets out the procedures for documenting, investigating, and deciding cases involving motorists whose actions may have placed pedestrians at risk of death, injury, or serious harm.

“Sa mga sunod-sunod na insidenteng kinasasangkutan ng mga pedestrian, mas kailangan nating maging malinaw at mahigpit sa pagtugon sa mga ganitong kaso. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagresolba ng isang insidente, kundi sa pagtiyak na napoprotektahan natin ang buhay at kaligtasan ng mga pedestrian,” Lacanilao said.

(With the series of incidents involving pedestrians, we need to be clearer and stricter in dealing with these cases. This is not just about resolving an incident, but making sure that we protect the lives and safety of pedestrians.)

He added that the goal is to ensure pedestrian safety while establishing a clear process for determining accountability in cases where motorists are found to have violated the rules.

Under the new memo, an investigating LTO office or unit must promptly document and investigate an incident when there is sufficient reason to believe that the operation or use of a motor vehicle endangered the public.

A motorist may then be declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle” under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Such a finding can serve as the basis for revoking the driver’s license, subject to the applicable rules and due process.

The new policy specifically covers incidents occurring at designated pedestrian crossings or lanes, where pedestrians are allowed to cross, stand, or walk.

The definition of a pedestrian under the memorandum extends beyond people simply walking across a road. It includes children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and people using wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, or other mobility devices.

It also covers people pushing or pulling strollers, carts, and other non-motorized conveyances, as well as people who have just gotten off a vehicle or are about to board one. Traffic enforcers, road workers, and other authorized personnel performing their duties on the road or pedestrian lane are likewise covered.

The latest memorandum also provides the framework for how such cases will now be handled. However, the LTO said investigators must still consider the circumstances of each incident, including the actions or behavior of the pedestrian.

This means a license revocation is not automatic simply because an incident occurred at a pedestrian lane. The LTO’s decision must be based on the findings of the investigation and follow due process.

The agency is again reminding motorists to slow down and give way to pedestrians, particularly in areas with designated crossings and heavy pedestrian activity.