LTO-6 bans 3 riders over Estancia drag race

By Gerome Dalipe

The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas has barred three motorcycle riders from obtaining driver’s licenses after they were caught in an illegal drag race along a bypass road in Estancia, Iloilo, on June 15, 2025.

LTO Region 6 Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the recommendation of the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit to disqualify the riders from holding or applying for driver’s licenses for one year.

The move followed a report from Barotac Viejo District Office Chief Ma. Bernadette T. Batilaran and a viral video showing the riders racing between Barangay Tinguian and Barangay Sta. Ana in Estancia.

At least one person was reported injured during the incident.

Although the riders denied involvement, the investigation unit said it found “adequate evidence” that the three are “improper persons to operate motor vehicles,” citing violations of the reckless driving provision under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

Investigators also found that one rider did not have a license, while the other two only held expired student permits, in violation of Sections 35 and 48 of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The one-year disqualification will take effect once the riders settle their fines.

Their records will also be flagged to prevent them from applying for, or renewing, any type of driver’s license during the sanction period.

Geduspan said the sanctions are part of the agency’s broader effort to curb dangerous street racing and protect public safety.