LTO revokes license of Iloilo road rage driver

By Gerome Dalipe

The Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) has permanently revoked the driver’s license of a motorist caught on video punching a jeepney driver in a viral road rage incident.

The revocation of the 60-year-old former seafarer’s license aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao against road violence.

LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the resolution prepared by Intelligence and Investigation Unit Chief Shiela Mae Alulod recommending the perpetual ban.

In his written response, the SUV driver claimed the altercation stemmed from the jeepney driver’s recklessness and alleged that he was retaliating after being kicked.

However, Geduspan emphasized the SUV driver’s own admission in the resolution.

“The respondent admits to following the jeepney and engaging in physical retaliation… His actions were deliberate and occurred in a public setting, escalating a traffic dispute into physical violence,” the resolution stated.

Geduspan ruled that regardless of any alleged provocation, pursuing another motorist and initiating violence is a “breach of public safety standards” and shows a failure to demonstrate restraint and lawful behavior.

Citing Republic Act No. 4136, which grants the LTO authority to revoke licenses when a person is deemed “improper to operate motor vehicles,” Geduspan held the driver administratively liable for conduct inimical to public safety.

The decision serves as a strong warning to the public.

“Such behavior demonstrates a serious lapse in judgment and a disregard for public safety,” Geduspan added.

LTO-6, led by Geduspan and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu—who also serves as LTO-NIR OIC Regional Director—reaffirmed that aggressive driving can result in permanent loss of driving privileges.