LTO-7 sets 15K certificates for free driving course

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 is set to expand its free driver education program this year, with a target of releasing at least 15,000 free Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificates to aspiring drivers across the region.

LTO-7 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Francisco “Franz” Ranches Jr. said the 2026 target is nearly double the 7,850 certificates issued in 2025.

“We will amplify our numbers from last year and we have set our goal to 15,000. That is equivalent to P15 million worth of certificates based on the price of TDC certificates from private driving schools,” Ranches said in a statement.

The increase comes after LTO-7 expanded its pool of lecturers from three to four.

In 2025, the agency faced limitations due to a cap of 200 participants per batch and a limited number of field officers assigned across various district and extension offices in the region.

The move is expected to make it easier to deploy instructors to different local government units (LGUs) and private organizations requesting the free training.

The shortage of lecturers was in line with a memorandum circular governing the conduct of free TDC during outreach programs. The same batch limit remains in place this year.

To strengthen the program, LTO-7 field officers underwent a capacity-building workshop in July 2025 on the Driver’s Education Program. The training covered the TDC, Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), and Road Safety and Defensive Driving Seminar conducted by the LTO Central Office Traffic and Safety Unit.

Ranches, who assumed his post in January 2026, identified the expansion of free TDC offerings as one of his priority programs, alongside improving road safety and eliminating corruption within the agency.

The free TDC is a mandatory 15-hour, two-day seminar required for applicants for a student driver’s permit. It is delivered through the LTO-7 e-Patrol Mobile Unit as part of the agency’s outreach services.

LGUs and private sector groups interested in hosting the free course may submit a formal request addressed to the Office of the Regional Director through any LTO-7 office.

“Help us achieve our goal—partner with us and let us educate our aspiring drivers through our free TDC program. This way, we can help them take the first step toward getting a driver’s license,” Ranches further said.

‘Superman’ rider to face charges

Meanwhile, the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU)-7 will file an alarm and scandal case against the “Superman” motorcycle rider who went viral after performing “reckless” stunts along the Transcentral Highway (TCH).

RHPU-7 Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu asserted that the driver, identified as Kyle Econas, 21, a resident of Barangay Poblacion Occidental, Consolacion town, Cebu, will face charges under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code for alarms and scandals.

Tiu said that RHPU-7 decided to file a case against Econas to warn other motorists that authorities take reckless driving seriously.

“The [RHPU-7]l will file a complaint for that matter para at least motagam pod ni sila. Once dile nimo seryosohon, I’m sure mag balik-balik ra ni sila,” he said.

He also mentioned that common stunts performed by motorcyclists include road banking, or tilting the motorcycle toward the inside of a curve.

However, he said that the road trick is only safe if the motorcycle is stable enough to withstand road maneuvers; otherwise, it may lead to an accident.

On the stunt performed by Econas, Tiu simply called it a reckless act, which posed road hazards and caused inconvenience among other motorists.

“Katung gibuhat sa motorist na mura siya’g Superman, that’s exhibition driving pero it’s inappropriate and unsafe,” he said.

Tiu also said that Econas is welcome to visit the RHPU-7 office to personally face his case. He added that the driver will be oriented and lectured regarding his violation.

Starting this coming weekend, RHPU-7 will strictly prohibit motorists from stopping along the TCH to participate in motorcycle drag races and perform dangerous stunts, underscoring the strict enforcement of road safety.

The regional chief said that he has already coordinated with the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and requested the enforcement of police visibility along the TCH.

He also emphasized that a sufficient number of police personnel, led by HPG-7, will be augmented in the area to monitor road safety and prevent reckless driving.

Among those who will be deployed are police personnel from the City Mobile Force Company and the CCPO-Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Furthermore, Tiu urged the public to practice safe driving and abide by traffic rules and regulations.

“If you are driving safely, dile ka madisgrasya ug dile pod ka makadisgrasya,” he said. — /IHM (FREEMAN)