LTO-6 suspends rider’s license over viral traffic incident

By Gerome Dalipe

ILOILO CITY — “Wala namon gin-sipa (ang traffic cone), gin-wahig lang.”

That was the 23-year-old motorcycle rider’s explanation after a video showing him and two back riders passing through a line of traffic cones during a weekend fun run in Arevalo district, Iloilo City, went viral on social media.

A few seconds of road footage soon became a matter for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6.

The rider, along with his two back riders, went to the LTO Region 6 office to personally give their side during a dialogue with Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu.

The video, posted by one of the runners, showed the motorcycle traveling along a route where organizers had placed traffic cones to guide motorists and separate vehicular traffic from participants in the early-morning fun run.

As the motorcycle passed the line of cones, one of the traffic-control devices was seen being kicked or displaced.

The video also appeared to show another violation: None of the three individuals on the motorcycle was wearing the required protective helmet.

But the incident did not end with a displaced traffic cone.

Conlu confirmed that the rider was issued a show-cause order over alleged violations involving the use of a motorcycle without the required helmets and carrying passengers beyond its authorized capacity.

His driver’s license was also placed under a 90-day suspension while the matter is being investigated.

According to the show-cause order, the motorcycle was carrying passengers beyond its registered capacity.

It also cited the alleged failure of both the driver and back riders to wear the required standard protective motorcycle helmets.

The alleged violations fall under several transportation laws and regulations.

Section 32 of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibits a vehicle operator from carrying passengers or cargo beyond the vehicle’s registered capacity.

Section 3 of Republic Act 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, requires motorcycle drivers and back riders to wear standard protective helmets while traveling on any road or highway.

The alleged kicking or displacement of the traffic cones may also constitute a violation under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which sets fines and penalties for violations of land transportation laws, rules, and regulations.

The rider was given five working days from receipt of the notice to submit a written explanation stating why administrative or legal action should not be taken against him.

For his part, LTO Region 6 Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said the incident underscores a basic principle of road safety: Following traffic rules also means respecting measures put in place to protect everyone using the road.

“It means wearing the required helmet, observing passenger limits, and respecting traffic-control devices—especially when roads are being used for organized activities involving large numbers of people,” Geduspan stressed.