The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to revoke the driver’s licenses of motorists found to have endangered pedestrians, following the issuance of a new memorandum aimed at strengthening road safety and accountability.
Under Memorandum No. MVL-2026-229, issued under the leadership of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, investigating offices and units are directed to promptly document, investigate, and act on incidents involving motorists whose operation of a vehicle may have placed pedestrians at risk of death, injury, or serious harm.
The memorandum provides that a motorist may be declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle” under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Such a finding may serve as a basis for the revocation of the motorist’s driver’s license, subject to existing rules and regulations and the observance of due process.
The policy specifically covers incidents occurring at designated pedestrian crossings or pedestrian lanes, where pedestrians are permitted to cross, stand, or walk.
Those covered by the definition of pedestrians include children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals using wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, and other mobility devices.
The memorandum also covers individuals pushing or pulling strollers, carts, and other non-motorized conveyances, as well as passengers who have just alighted from or are about to board vehicles. Traffic enforcers, road workers, and other authorized personnel performing their duties on roads or pedestrian lanes are likewise included.
However, the LTO clarified that each incident will still be evaluated based on the totality of circumstances. Investigators will consider the conduct or actions of the pedestrian, along with other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident, before determining the appropriate administrative action.
Lacanilao stressed that the measure is intended not only to address individual incidents but also to strengthen the protection of pedestrians and promote accountability among motorists.
“Sa mga sunod-sunod na insidenteng kinasasangkutan ng mga pedestrian, mas kailangan nating maging malinaw at mahigpit sa pagtugon sa mga ganitong kaso,” Lacanilao said.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagresolba ng isang insidente, kundi sa pagtiyak na napoprotektahan natin ang buhay at kaligtasan ng mga pedestrian,” he added.
The LTO said the memorandum establishes a clearer process for investigating pedestrian-related incidents and determining the accountability of motorists, while ensuring that all actions remain consistent with due process.
