LTO-6 fines taxi driver for counterflowing, warns PUV operators

By Gerome Dalipe IV

A taxi driver has learned a costly lesson after counterflowing and ignoring a “No Left Turn” sign during rush hour in La Paz, Iloilo City last December.

The Land Transportation Office-Region 6 found the driver of a Viajera taxi administratively liable for reckless driving after he counterflowed and made an illegal left turn to Commissioner Efrain B. Treñas Boulevard from Forbes Bridge.

LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the resolution of the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit, holding the driver accountable under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

“Time and again, this agency has warned drivers that claiming an emergency is not an automatic excuse for traffic violations; it requires substantial proof to merit exemption. In this case, the driver has failed to meet that burden,” the three-page resolution read.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Judge Ronilo L. Pamonag, who recounted that on Dec. 3, 2025, while exiting Commissioner Efrain B. Treñas Boulevard near Gaisano City and turning toward Forbes Bridge, a white Viajera taxi suddenly entered the opposite lane and drove straight toward him.

Pamonag said he was forced to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision. The taxi driver allegedly did not slow down, stop, or activate hazard lights, then proceeded to make a prohibited left turn back toward the boulevard despite a clearly visible “No Left Turn” sign.

In his written explanation, the taxi driver admitted he was “extremely late for a critical emergency” and, in a state of panic, made a poor judgment call by taking a shortcut against traffic flow.

He conceded that he failed to consider the danger posed to other motorists and even forgot to activate his hazard lights.

LTO-6 ruled, however, that the driver failed to substantiate his emergency claim, noting the absence of medical records, official communications, testimonial evidence, or any corroborating witness.

In contrast, the complainant presented clear and convincing evidence establishing the counterflowing violation and the illegal turn.

The investigation also cited violations under Iloilo City’s traffic ordinances prohibiting counterflowing, illegal U-turns and left turns, disregard of traffic signs, and improper lane usage.

“As professional drivers and common carriers, PUV operators are expected to comply with all traffic rules and regulations,” the resolution emphasized. “This Office strongly condemns inappropriate and reckless driving behaviors of PUV drivers as it fundamentally undermines public trust and the standards of the transportation sector.”

For his first offense of reckless driving, the taxi driver was fined PHP 2,010. His driver’s license was placed under alarm, and he was ordered to undergo a road safety seminar.

The LTO-6 also issued a stern warning to the Viajera taxi operator that similar violations by its drivers in the future will be dealt with severely and may result in further administrative sanctions.