A Negros Occidental motorist and vlogger has issued a public apology to the Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) after a profanity-filled rant against a traffic enforcer went viral on social media.
The incident has prompted LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II to issue a strong warning to online content creators about maligning government agencies or personnel.
The motorist, who was apprehended on April 4 in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, for driving an unregistered motorcycle and without a valid license, personally visited the LTO-6 Regional Office on Monday, June 23, to apologize. His apology came after LTO-6’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit Head Shiela Mae Alulod recommended, and Director Geduspan approved, a show-cause order. This order, served at the LTO Bacolod City District Office, required the motorist to provide a written explanation within five days or face administrative sanctions, including potential license suspension or revocation.
Geduspan did not mince words regarding the incident, stating, “This is clearly harassment against an officer performing lawful duties. LTO-6 will not tolerate any form of intimidation or abuse targeting our personnel.” He emphasized that individuals found to have defamed or threatened LTO staff could face legal action under laws designed to protect public officers from harassment and intimidation.
Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu reiterated that, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, motorists who harass law enforcers risk the suspension or revocation of their driving privileges. Conlu also stressed that vloggers who use their platforms to denigrate government agencies or employees may be held accountable under existing laws.
This firm stance by LTO-6 aligns with a broader initiative led by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, with the support of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon. The initiative aims to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations, uphold public order, and ensure the safety and dignity of frontline personnel.
