LTO-6 probes helmetless Iloilo City employee

By Gerome Dalipe

ILOILO CITY — The Land Transportation Office Region 6 has ordered a city government employee to explain why she was photographed riding a motorcycle without a protective helmet.

Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II directed the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit to issue a show cause order to the employee.

The employee was given five working days from receipt of the order to submit a written explanation on why administrative or legal action should not be taken against her.

The order stemmed from a photograph circulating on social media that showed the employee operating a motorcycle without the required protective helmet.

Based on its initial assessment, LTO-6 said the incident constituted a prima facie violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

The law requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear standard protective helmets while traveling on public roads, regardless of distance.

A first offense carries a fine of PHP 1,500, while second and third offenses carry fines of PHP 3,000 and PHP 5,000, respectively.

A fourth or succeeding offense carries a fine of PHP 10,000 and the confiscation of the driver’s license.

LTO-6 said the alleged violation could also warrant penalties under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which sets the revised schedule of fines and penalties for violations of land transportation laws, rules, and regulations.

The LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit also cited Section 27(a) of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The provision authorizes the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, subject to due process, when the holder is found unfit to operate a motor vehicle or has driven in a manner that endangers public safety.

The employee was also directed to submit copies of the motorcycle’s official receipt and certificate of registration, along with a photocopy of her valid driver’s license.

Geduspan said LTO-6 remained committed to enforcing traffic laws without fear or favor and stressed that no one was above the law.

He said government employees had a greater responsibility to set an example by following the road safety rules they were expected to uphold and promote.