LTO-6 flags Iloilo lawyer for seatbelt, expired registration

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Land Transportation Office 6 (LTO-6) has issued a show-cause order against a lawyer over an alleged seatbelt violation, an expired vehicle registration, and a disputed roadside encounter with enforcement officers.

The show-cause order, obtained by Daily Guardian, was issued on May 19 and served at the lawyer’s office on June 11. The respondent, Atty. Jose Gelacio Lira, was given five working days to submit a written explanation.

In the order, LTO-6 director Gaudioso Geduspan said Lira was flagged down by a deputized field enforcement officer after one of the lawyer’s passengers was observed not wearing a seatbelt while the vehicle was in motion.

During the verification of documents, authorities also discovered that the vehicle’s registration had expired in February 2026.

Geduspan said that during the roadside inspection, Lira allegedly “displayed hostile and discourteous behavior” toward apprehending personnel.

Lira was also reported to have repeatedly insisted that he had committed no violation, demanded the names of the officers involved, and made remarks perceived as disrespectful and demeaning.

Geduspan said Lira further claimed exemption from apprehension based on an alleged presidential memorandum.

However, the LTO-6 said Lira was informed that Memorandum Circular No. MVI-2026-5048, dated April 15, 2026, covers only driver’s licenses, permits, and motor vehicle registrations expiring beginning April 2026.

Because Lira’s vehicle registration expired in February 2026, the LTO-6 stressed that it was not covered by the extension.

Under Republic Act No. 8750, or the Seat Belt Use Act of 1999, drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts while a vehicle is in motion.

Lira declined to comment when sought by members of the media on June 16, saying it would be “premature” to speak publicly at this point.

Geduspan said the agency remains committed to the impartial enforcement of traffic regulations and expects motorists to respect law enforcers carrying out their duties.

“Whether you are a government official, a lawyer, a professional, or an ordinary citizen, the law applies equally to everyone,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, June 17.

“Our law enforcers deserve the same respect they extend to the motoring public while carrying out their duties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Acting Mayor Lady Julie Baronda said Lira is presumed innocent until the administrative process is completed.

“I will wait for a copy of the show cause order to have an informed comment. Nonetheless, we are all bound by the law, especially us government officials, and we should let the legal process take its course. For now, Atty. Lira enjoys the presumption of innocence,” she said.