05/02/2025
The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) has issued a strong warning to parents and guardians against allowing minors to drive motor vehicles, citing the legal, safety, and moral consequences of such actions.
LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II stressed that Philippine laws require individuals to meet the minimum age requirement and possess a valid driver’s license to drive legally. Allowing minors without licenses to operate vehicles is a serious violation of traffic laws and exposes parents or guardians to penalties, including fines and criminal liability.
Geduspan emphasized that driving demands discipline, skill, and maturity—qualities often lacking in underage drivers. Allowing minors to drive not only endangers their safety but also poses risks to other road users. Such actions may constitute child abuse under Presidential Decree No. 603 (Youth and Welfare Code) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act). These laws impose severe penalties, including imprisonment of six to eight years for violators. | via Gerome Dalipe/ PN
