LTO issues DL suspension, revocation order vs kamote vloggers

Vlogging has evolved into both a lifestyle and, for many, a full-time job. Much like a reality show, vloggers document their day-to-day activities, often centered on personal passions such as eating, traveling, or even riding motorcycles or driving high-end cars.

As their content draws in a loyal following, audiences stay tuned to each upload, turning views and engagement into a steady source of income.

Unfortunately, some vloggers overstep the line by posting photos or videos that show clear violations of the law, often involving traffic rules, to gain more clicks. Beyond the risk to their own safety, this kind of content can also encourage followers to copy the same behavior. This is where the Land Transportation Office (LTO) steps in, enforcing a policy of an automatic 90-day suspension for drivers and riders caught committing violations on video or in photos.

From no seatbelt to no license

One of the vloggers who recently made headlines on social media was stripped of her driver’s license by the LTO. According to LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, the vlogger was issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) earlier this year after posting a video of herself driving a Mazda Miata without wearing a seatbelt, a violation of Republic Act 8750, which has been in effect for nearly three decades. The issuance of an SCO also carries an automatic 90-day suspension of the driver’s license of the erring motorist.

Further investigation by the LTO revealed that the Mazda Miata she was driving had been delinquent in registration for four years. The agency also found that she continued to operate motor vehicles despite this, which it described as a blatant disregard of lawful directives governing driving privileges.

The LTO eventually apprehended the vlogger and, since she was effectively driving without a valid driver’s license, her motorcycle was impounded. The Miata is also set for impoundment until all penalties are paid and its registration is brought up to date.

She now faces the revocation of her driver’s license and will be disqualified from reapplying for two years. On top of that, she must settle fines for reckless driving, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (RA 10913), and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

“Ang mga patakaran at kautusan ng LTO ay hindi opsyonal. Kapag ito ay binalewala, may kaakibat itong agarang pananagutan at kaparusahan sa ilalim ng batas…Hindi namin kukunsintihin ang paulit-ulit o lantaran na paglabag sa mga regulasyon sa kalsada. Ang sinumang patuloy na hindi sumusunod ay agad na papatawan ng kaukulang aksyon upang maprotektahan ang kaligtasan ng publiko,” said LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao.

(The rules and directives of the LTO are not optional. Ignoring them carries immediate accountability and penalties under the law. We will not tolerate repeated or blatant violations of road regulations. Anyone who continues to disregard them will face prompt and appropriate action to protect public safety.)

Prank to suspended license

Another viral video that drew the agency’s attention came from Allacapan, Cagayan, where a Toyota Land Cruiser appeared to speed off from a gasoline station without paying for the fuel it had just taken. The uploader later claimed it was done “for the views,” adding that the attendant seen running after the vehicle under the scorching sun was actually his employee.

According to LTO, these kinds of “content” have no place and should be frowned upon.

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na gawing biro o content ang isang sitwasyong malinaw na naglalagay sa kapwa sa panganib. Lalo na sa panahong nararanasan natin ang epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, ang ganitong uri ng asal ay hindi lamang iresponsable, kundi nagpapakita rin ng kawalan ng malasakit,” said LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao.

(It is unacceptable to treat a situation that clearly puts others at risk as a joke or content. Especially at a time when we are feeling the effects of rising fuel prices, this kind of behavior is not only irresponsible, but also shows a lack of concern for others.)

An SCO has already been issued, which places an automatic 90-day suspension on the driver’s license of the assigned driver. The Land Cruiser was also placed under alarm pending investigation.

As part of due process, both the driver and the vehicle owner are required to appear before the LTO and submit sworn statements explaining why they should not be held liable for possible administrative cases, including reckless driving and improper person to operate a motor vehicle.