By Gerome Dalipe IV
The Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) based in Iloilo City has sanctioned a motorist involved in a vehicular collision, reinforcing its commitment to road safety and stricter traffic law enforcement.
LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the recommendation of Sheila Mae C. Alulod, head of LTO-6’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit, to place the motorist on alarm for violating Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The incident occurred on April 18, 2024, along Delgado Street in Iloilo City, involving an electric bus and a pickup truck.
The complainant, the registered owner of the pickup truck, reported significant damage to his vehicle, allegedly caused by the reckless driving of the bus driver.
Following a formal complaint, the LTO issued show cause orders to both the driver and his employer, the registered owner of the electric bus.
After reviewing evidence, including video footage examined on March 4, 2025, LTO-6 found that the bus driver violated Section 48 of RA 4136.
This provision prohibits operating a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers public safety or causes property damage.
The bus driver denied negligence, claiming the collision resulted from an accidental reverse maneuver.
However, video evidence revealed a clear lapse in judgment that led to the incident.
The registered owner of the electric bus acknowledged responsibility and committed to implementing preventive safety measures.
However, delays in compensating the complainant prompted administrative action against the driver.
As a result, Geduspan recommended that the LTO Operations Division place the bus driver’s license on alarm.
The driver will also be required to attend a defensive driving seminar to reinforce safe driving practices.
Any financial obligations to the complainant will be settled through the appropriate court.
Section 48 of RA 4136 states that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle on any highway recklessly or without reasonable caution… or so as to endanger the property or the safety or rights of any person or so as to cause excessive or unreasonable damage to the highway.”
LTO-6 stressed the importance of safe driving, particularly during reverse maneuvers, urging motorists to perform thorough traffic checks and exercise caution to prevent accidents.
Geduspan reiterated the agency’s strict stance on reckless driving, aligning with the directive of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II.
He also highlighted alarming road crash statistics in the Philippines, with an average of 12,000 fatalities annually, including about 500 deaths in Western Visayas.
LTO-6 Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu underscored the agency’s ongoing campaign against reckless driving to reduce road crashes and fatalities.
He said the LTO-6’s action serves as a stern reminder of its commitment to holding motorists accountable and ensuring road safety for all.
