There’s a reason authorities keep reminding the public that driving is a privilege, not a right. Despite the consequences, some motorists continue to let their emotions take over, turning minor disputes into full-blown road rage incidents. In some cases, matters get even worse when a firearm enters the picture.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has long made its position on road rage clear. The agency has consistently taken a hard line against motorists involved in violence, intimidation, or any act that puts other road users at risk. But despite repeated warnings, incidents like these continue to happen.

The latest example came from Quezon City last week, where a road rage incident caught on video quickly went viral. In response, the LTO issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the driver of what appeared to be a Toyota Hilux. The motorist was seen brandishing a handgun during an apparent altercation with a tricycle driver.

As part of the SCO process, the driver’s license was automatically suspended for 90 days, while the vehicle was placed under alarm status. The agency has also scheduled a hearing to determine if the motorist should be declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle,” a finding that could lead to the suspension or even permanent revocation of his driver’s license.

“We repeatedly remind all motorists that before stepping out of their vehicles, especially in the middle of a dispute or misunderstanding on the road, they should first exercise restraint and think clearly. Violence, intimidation, or any aggressive action that could put the lives and safety of others at risk is never the solution,” said LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary, Markus Lacanilao.

The incident brings to mind another road rage case in Quezon City in 2023, when a former police officer drew a firearm on a cyclist. Following that incident and several others that made headlines, Lacanilao, when he first took the helm as LTO Chief, vowed to crack down on motorists involved in road rage, warning that offenders could lose their driving privileges for life.

“Matagal na natin naging problema ito, noong araw pa. Natatandaan nyo, early ‘90s ang daming namatay dahil sa road rage. Ang daming nasira ang buhay, ang daming nakulong. Kaya, kami sa LTO maghihigpit kami. Once na na-involve kayo sa road rage, ang rekomendasyon namin ay mawalan kayo ng lisensya pang-habang buhay,” said Lacanilao.

(This has long been a problem, even back in the day. If you remember, in the early ‘90s, many lives were lost because of road rage. So many lives were ruined, so many people ended up in jail. That’s why we at the LTO will be stricter. Once you’re involved in a road rage incident, our recommendation is a lifetime revocation of your driver’s license.)

But losing a driver’s license may not be the only consequence.

For gun owners, the bigger risk could be losing their License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and other firearm-related permits. According to the LTO, cases involving the display or use of a firearm during a road rage incident are automatically referred to the Philippine National Police (PNP), with the agency formally recommending the revocation of the motorist’s LTOPF and related firearm privileges.

The recommendation is backed by Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and its implementing rules. Under the law, firearm ownership is considered a privilege that can be suspended or revoked for violations of firearm regulations. The implementing rules also require firearms carried under a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) to remain concealed. Displaying or brandishing a firearm in public is prohibited and can serve as grounds for the revocation of the permit.

In short, a motorist who pulls a gun without cause (e.g. immediate threat of personal harm, hence the need for self-defense) during a roadside confrontation risks far more than a traffic violation. Aside from potentially losing driving privileges for life, they could also lose the legal right to own firearms, and with it a series of potential criminal offenses and subsequent forfeiture of all the firearms under his/her name.

Driving in the Philippines can test anyone’s patience. But the moment a confrontation escalates into threats, violence, or the display of a weapon, the consequences can be far more severe than the traffic situation that started it, and the LTO has a one-strike policy against it.