05/08/2026
πΆπππ°πͺπ°π¨π³ πΊπ»π¨π»π¬π΄π¬π΅π»: πππ ππππππ ππ ππππππ
πππ πππ
ππππππππ πππππππ, πππππππππ ππππππ πππππππππ ππ πππππ πππππ
We are taking cognizance of the article published today by a local daily in Iloilo City titled, "Where is LTO when no camera is rolling?" In the interest of providing clarity, we wish to address the issues raised and present the public with the proper context regarding the actions taken by the Land Transportation Office Region VI.
The article referred to the action taken by the LTO-6 in response to the viral video showing an overloaded public utility jeepney (PUJ) bound for Lambunao, Iloilo. Following a preliminary evaluation, the LTO imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver's license of the jeepney driver involved. The registered operator was likewise issued a Show Cause Order directing the company to explain why administrative sanctions should not be imposed against it and its responsible officers for the apparent violations.
The question raised is straightforward: Would the LTO have acted if the incident had not been captured on video and uploaded online?
Our answer is equally straightforward: ππ¬πΊ!
Had our law enforcers witnessed the violation firsthand, immediate enforcement action would have been taken. We are grateful that concerned citizens documented the incident and shared it online, as this enabled us to promptly verify the facts and initiate the appropriate administrative proceedings.
At the same time, it is important to place our enforcement efforts in their proper context. The Land Transportation Office Region VI has only 20 regular law enforcers, supported by a limited number of deputized personnel, tasked with overseeing the entire Western Visayas. While we remain fully committed to enforcing land transportation laws, it is simply impossible for our personnel to be present on every road, at every hour, and in every transport terminal across the region.
Despite these limitations, we continue to fulfill our mandate to the best of our ability. By the middle of this year alone, we significantly intensified our law enforcement efforts, recording an almost 130 percent increase in enforcement operations from January to June. These sustained operations, including nighttime enforcement activities, have likewise contributed to a nearly 34 percent reduction in road fatalities in 2025.
We understand the daily struggles of commuters who rely on public transportation to get home safely. Equally important is our mandate to ensure that public utility vehicle operators and drivers comply with the law. As common carriers, they are required to exercise extraordinary diligence in transporting passengersβa duty that exists regardless of whether law enforcers are present.
This is precisely why Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II has consistently called on all transport cooperatives and corporations across Western Visayas to strictly comply with the Fleet Management System (FMS) under the Public Transport Modernization Program. Compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a commitment to passenger safety and responsible public service.
In today's digital age, where information travels faster than ever, we recognize the valuable role played by responsible citizens who report violations. Videos, photographs, and credible reports shared by netizens often help us identify incidents that would otherwise go unnoticed. These reports complementβnot replaceβour enforcement efforts and enable us to take timely and appropriate action.
We likewise express our sincere appreciation to our partners in the media. For many years, the media has been instrumental in promoting road safety awareness and encouraging accountability among motorists and transport operators. We value this partnership and remain committed to working closely with the local media community in advancing our shared goal of making our roads safer for every Ilonggo.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. While the LTO Region VI will continue to strengthen enforcement within the limits of our available resources, we also call on transport operators, drivers, commuters, the media, and the public to remain vigilant and work with us in promoting a culture of discipline, accountability, and safety on our roads.
Madamo gid nga salamat!
