The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of the driver of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)-marked patrol vehicle, finding the latter liable for multiple violations.
In a press release on Monday, September 7, the LTO said the driver was found liable for driving through the EDSA busway and using unauthorized vehicle markings and equipment. This followed the viral video of the driver operating an SUV bearing MMDA markings and identifiers, such as a body number, siren, and blinker.
Upon verification, the agency found that the vehicle's license plate did not match the records and that the SUV was registered as a private vehicle.
A show cause order (SCO) was issued against the driver on August 28, 2026. Subsequently, the LTO imposed a one-year suspension of the driver’s license after declaring him an “Improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”
Moreover, the investigation revealed that the same driver was also involved in another incident involving the same vehicle. In line with the second incident, the LTO issued another SCO on August 29 against the vehicle’s registered owner.
“Sa pagsusuri sa dalawang insidente, nakita ng LTO ang paulit-ulit na paglabag at maling representasyon na may kaugnayan sa paggamit ng sasakyan at mga pagkakakilanlan na hindi awtorisado para rito. Dahil dito, idineklara ng LTO ang drayber bilang Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle at tuluyang ipinataw ang revocation ng kanyang driver’s license,” the LTO said.
The MMDA-marked SUB remains impounded at the LTO Central Office. The agency ordered the removal of the unauthorized MMDA markings and identifiers, including the siren and blinder installed on the vehicle.
“Maski pa anong ranggo, posisyon, o katungkulan ang mayroon ka, kung ikaw ay may nilabag sa batas-trapiko, hindi ko po palalampasin ‘yan. Tayo sa gobyerno, malinaw sa atin ang batas, sumunod po tayo, gawin po natin ang tama at maging responsable sa kalsada,” Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao assured.
The LTO said it will continue to intensify its enforcement of laws and regulations against the use of unauthorized license plates, markings, equipment, and other vehicle identifiers as part of its efforts to promote safer, orderly and responsible use of public roads.
In a previous interview, Lacanilao assured that the agency would be fair in dealing with the said case, involving MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes previously confirmed that the vehicle belongs to Torre.
