LTO summons Quezon town mayor, staff

MANILA, Philippines — A town mayor in Quezon province and several municipal government employees were ordered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to explain why they were riding motorcycles without protective helmets.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the mayor, whom he did not identify, and several local government staff were seen in videos and photos sent by concerned citizens to be operating their motorcycles without protective helmets during what appeared to be a parade.

Lacanilao directed the LTO’s intelligence and investigation division to identify the registered owners and designated riders of the motorcycles involved.

He said the show-cause order would give the mayor and the town employees the opportunity to explain their side on the traffic violation. 

The mayor and the other riders are required to appear at the LTO Central Office on Oct. 1 for a hearing. 

“As government employees, we ourselves must lead by example in obeying the law. We cannot enforce traffic laws on others if we do not follow these ourselves,” Lacanilao said.

Aside from submitting their sworn statements or explanations, the mayor and the other government employees must justify why they should not be held liable for traffic violations, which include failure to comply with the mandatory use of motorcycle helmets. 

They should also explain why they should not be declared “improper persons to operate a motor vehicle” – a designation that could lead to the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

The LTO has placed at least three of the motorcycles involved under alarm and placed the licenses of the drivers under preventive suspension for 90 days.

“They thought we would let their actions go by. That is not how the LTO operates. No matter the violation, it will eventually reach our office, and we will take action to hold violators accountable,” Lacanilao said.