Driver’s License a Privilege, Not a Right – TTMO

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) has reminded motorists that holding a driver’s license is a privilege—not an absolute right—as it seeks sanctions against a woman involved in a widely viewed traffic standoff.

“We are reminding motorists that the driver’s license is not an absolute right, but a privilege granted so they can drive and use a vehicle,” said TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos.

Garbanzos issued the statement after the TTMO asked the Land Transportation Office Western Visayas (LTO-6) to impose administrative sanctions on a female motorist who was involved in a four-hour confrontation with a traffic enforcer on April 22 in Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao district.

“We are ready and willing to participate in the administrative investigation that will be conducted by LTO-6,” he added.

LTO-6 has issued a show cause order to the woman, who faces accusations of misconduct, noncompliance, and disrespect toward a traffic enforcer on duty.

This is in addition to a complaint filed by TTMO with the City Prosecutor’s Office for online libel under Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority).

The woman was flagged by a TTMO enforcer for making an illegal right turn from the left lane.

She allegedly refused to present her driver’s license and instead live-streamed the incident on Facebook, accusing the enforcer of corruption.

The standoff lasted over three hours and ended only after police intervened.

Garbanzos said the TTMO encourages the use of video evidence to investigate misconduct but warned against misuse on social media.

“If our personnel are at fault, you can use videos for investigation,” he said.

“But if you publish it on social media, that’s another issue.”

“If you have a protest, we welcome you to the office. We’ll use your video to aid the investigation. We have zero tolerance for personnel misconduct.”

He said the TTMO’s Traffic Adjudication Board is available to handle contested traffic violations.

He added that violators unable to pay penalties may opt for community service instead.

Garbanzos also shared that 34 traffic violation cases have already been filed with the City Prosecutor’s Office, with resolutions and court assignments now in progress.