The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has taken a firm stance on road safety in 2024, revoking nearly 1,000 driver’s licenses for various offenses, the majority involving driving under the influence of alcohol.
This decisive action, aimed at promoting responsible driving, highlights the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for erring motorists.
Cracking Down on Violations
In a statement on Saturday, LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II revealed that these revocations were part of the agency’s intensified campaign to instill discipline among drivers.
“All these [revocations] underwent due process,” Mendoza assured. “This is also part of our aggressive campaign to impose discipline and for responsible driving.”
Among the 1,000 revoked licenses, the LTO identified three main categories of violations:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
A total of 736 licenses were revoked under Republic Act No. 10586, also known as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act. This law penalizes drivers caught operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Refusal to undergo mandatory alcohol testing after a road crash also falls under this category. - Questionable Licensing Practices:
Violations of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, accounted for 130 revocations. These cases involved irregularities in obtaining driver’s licenses, including falsification of documents and cheating on examinations. - Other Offenses:
Under Republic Act No. 10930, which extended the validity of driver’s licenses, 94 revocations were issued. These cases involved drivers with multiple licenses, falsified information, or other administrative violations.
Viral Videos and Public Complaints
The LTO’s social media monitoring team also played a significant role in this year’s enforcement efforts. Twenty-four drivers were penalized after videos of their erratic or dangerous behavior went viral online.
These incidents, reported by concerned netizens, underscore the increasing role of social media in holding motorists accountable.
Mendoza emphasized that these actions serve as a warning to all drivers. “We hope that this year, there will be minimal or even zero administrative cases with driver’s license revocation as a penalty,” he said.
“But let this also serve as a warning that your LTO will not hesitate to suspend and revoke as many driver’s licenses as necessary to ensure the safety of all road users.”
Broader Enforcement Measures
In addition to license revocations, the LTO reported that it had apprehended 639,323 motorists for various traffic violations in 2024.
These offenses ranged from minor infractions to severe violations of traffic laws.
Furthermore, a total of 29,709 motor vehicles were impounded during the year for failing to comply with roadworthiness standards or other regulatory requirements.
A Call for Responsible Driving
The LTO’s aggressive enforcement underscores the agency’s commitment to making Philippine roads safer. By addressing issues such as drunk driving, document falsification, and irresponsible behavior, the agency aims to foster a culture of accountability among motorists.
Mendoza called on the public to cooperate with the agency’s efforts. “We cannot achieve safer roads without the cooperation of drivers, passengers, and the community at large,” he said. “Let’s work together to ensure that everyone gets home safely.”
Looking Ahead: Zero Tolerance for Offenders
As the LTO prepares for 2025, the agency remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce traffic laws. The high number of license revocations and apprehensions this year serves as both a warning and a challenge to motorists: reckless behavior on the road will not be tolerated.
The public is also encouraged to report erring drivers via the LTO’s social media channels or official complaint systems. With the collective effort of the government and the community, the goal of safer roads for all becomes increasingly attainable. By revoking nearly 1,000 driver’s licenses in 2024, the LTO has sent a strong message to erring motorists: reckless behavior will have serious consequences. This firm approach not only safeguards public safety but also reinforces the importance of accountability and responsible driving on Philippine roads.