“Traffic rule enforcer, traffic rule breaker?”: LTO patrol vehicle caught on cam counter-flowing; driver faces dismissal

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — An LTO driver in Santiago City, Isabela, is facing dismissal proceedings after an agency patrol vehicle was caught on video allegedly counterflowing and obstructing traffic near XentroMall.

On August 12, a video posted by the Riders Safety Advocates of the Philippines on Facebook showed an LTO patrol vehicle traveling against the designated flow of traffic, disrupting the normal movement of vehicles in the area.

The video caught the attention of higher government officials, prompting LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao to order an investigation to determine the identity of the driver assigned to the vehicle.

Following the investigation, the driver was identified and issued a Show Cause Order (SCO). He was also directed to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to submit an explanation regarding the incident.

As part of the LTO proceedings, the driver was placed under 90-day preventive suspension and ordered to surrender his driver's license while the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement cited by regional media, Lacanilao said the agency would not tolerate traffic violations committed by its own personnel. He also ordered the dismissal of the driver while appropriate administrative and other cases are being prepared against him.

“Pinasisibak ko ang nasabing drayber at inihahanda na ang pagsasampa ng kaukulang kaso laban sa kanya. Walang sinuman ang higit sa batas, kabilang ang ating mga sariling tauhan,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO assured the public that traffic laws would be enforced fairly and that its personnel would not be exempt from accountability for violations committed while performing their duties.

The incident has drawn attention online because the vehicle involved belonged to an agency whose mandate includes enforcing traffic and land transportation regulations—making the alleged counterflow a particularly ironic violation.