The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has taken swift action against a motorist whose dangerous driving was captured in a widely circulated online video. The agency has issued a preventive suspension of the driver's license for a period of 90 days.
Viral Video Leads to Swift Identification
Following the spread of a viral video on social media platforms on January 7, 2026, LTO 7 officials immediately launched an investigation. The footage showed the driver of a white sedan operating the vehicle recklessly with his foot conspicuously hanging out of the car window. By Monday, January 12, 2026, the agency successfully identified the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the incident.
Legal Charges and Immediate Consequences
Acting on the directive of LTO 7 Director Glen Galario, the agency moved quickly to penalize the driver. A show cause order was issued, and the driver's license was placed under alarm status with a preventive suspension for 90 days. The motorist now faces formal charges for reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
These allegations are based on violations of Sections 48 and 27 of Republic Act 4136, commonly known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Director Galario emphasized that the agency will not tolerate unsafe behavior on public roads and that it acted immediately upon receiving reports.
Required Hearing and Potential Outcomes
The suspended driver has been ordered to surrender his license and must appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division on January 14. During this hearing, the individual is required to provide reasons for why his driving privileges should be retained. The LTO 7 has stated clearly that failure to attend the scheduled hearing will be considered a waiver by the driver. In such a case, the resolution will proceed based solely on the available records and evidence.
This case serves as a stern reminder to all motorists in the Philippines about the serious consequences of traffic violations, especially those that endanger public safety and gain attention through social media.
