LTFRB tells PUV drivers: Don’t vlog while driving

CEBU, Philippines — Vlogging and creating social media content while driving are strictly prohibited for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, who may face penalties if caught.

This was emphasized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which urged PUV drivers to refrain from vlogging, creating social media content, or even engaging with social media while operating their vehicles.

The agency warned that such acts violate the Anti-Distracted Driving Act and endanger public safety.

In a statement, the LTFRB, under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, reminded drivers and operators that using mobile devices for content creation while driving is prohibited under Republic Act No. 10913, or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency is reinforcing the law to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other road users from accidents caused by distracted driving.

“We call on both the operators and drivers to be mindful of this law not only for the safety of all the people on board the PUV but also to all the other road users,” Mendoza said.

The chairman said the initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to strictly enforce road safety laws and regulations across the country.

To strengthen compliance, the LTFRB has prepared a memorandum circular directing PUV operators to ensure that their drivers strictly observe the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

The LTFRB said the measure was prompted by an increase in the number of PUV drivers producing vlogs and other social media content while driving.

“Let us be mindful of the safety of our passengers and all our road users. Everybody knows that even a split-second of distraction can result in fatal road crashes,” Mendoza said.

According to the LTFRB, such acts not only violate the law but also undermine its purpose of preventing injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving.

The agency added that vlogging and similar activities while operating a PUV are considered extreme forms of distracted driving that compromise public safety.

The LTFRB also emphasized that these activities violate the fundamental condition attached to every Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), which requires operators and drivers to prioritize the safety and convenience of the riding public.

Under the proposed memorandum circular, PUV drivers caught vlogging, creating content, or engaging in social media activities, including browsing, scrolling, liking, commenting, or interacting with social media applications, while driving will face a P5,000 penalty.

Mendoza said the memorandum circular is now in its final stages and will take effect after the required publication in newspapers of general circulation and the completion of other legal procedures.

“I appeal to our PUV operators and drivers to respect the law and rules and regulations on road safety. Let us all work together to ensure the protection and welfare of our drivers, passengers and all road users,” Mendoza added.