Thrill for Clicks: LTO-6 Cracks Down on Vlogger’s ‘Superman’ Motorcycle Stunt
By GEROME DALIPE IV
In today’s digital age, some content creators will go to great lengths for views—even if it means risking life, limb, and the law.
Such was the case for Jimmy Lagunday Catarata, a vlogger from Barangay San Isidro in Ibajay, Aklan, whose daring “Superman” motorcycle stunt recently caught the attention of not just netizens, but also the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6).
Clad in nothing more than underwear and a sleeveless shirt, Catarata was filmed lying face-down on his moving motorcycle, biting the hem of his shorts, in what he later admitted was a stunt designed to go viral. The act, performed along a national highway in Aklan, was anything but entertaining to authorities.
LTO-6 didn’t find the video amusing. Instead, it responded swiftly by issuing Catarata a show-cause order—a formal directive asking him to explain why he should not be permanently disqualified from driving.
Behind the Viral Clip
At first glance, the video might seem like just another stunt in the wild world of internet antics. But behind the likes, shares, and comments lies a much darker reality: the glorification of dangerous behavior, especially on public roads.
“This isn’t just about content creation. It’s about safety, responsibility, and the law,” said LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II. “What he did falls squarely under reckless driving.”
Director Geduspan cited Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, which penalizes operating a vehicle “without reasonable caution,” endangering lives and property. LTO-6 Assistant Director Jeck Conlu added that such stunts not only threaten the vlogger’s life, but also risk the safety of other motorists.
To make matters worse, Catarata has never held a driver’s license. According to LTO records, he has no legal authority to operate any motor vehicle. Under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, driving without a license carries a ₱3,000 fine—and may lead to a lifetime ban from applying for one.
A Teachable Moment?
The show-cause order was personally served to Catarata by the LTO Kalibo District Office. He now has five days to explain himself. If he fails to respond, authorities will proceed with sanctions based on available evidence.
“What he did was extremely dangerous,” said Engr. Marlon Velez, Chief of the Kalibo District Office. “He’s a content creator. He has influence. That comes with responsibility. Posting stunts like this online only gives us proof of the violation.”
Velez said his office took the opportunity to remind Catarata that the internet is not a shield from accountability. In fact, in the eyes of the law, it’s evidence.
A Bigger Picture
While the vlogger’s motivations were seemingly simple—views, clicks, perhaps even monetization—the consequences are now proving to be far more complex.
This case is now part of a broader government push to ensure road safety and hold violators accountable, especially those with public influence. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tasked agencies like the LTO, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, to clamp down on reckless behavior on the roads.
And as platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok continue to reward shock value, authorities are reminding the public that stunts with real-world dangers don’t belong on our highways.
As for Catarata, he now faces a choice: use his platform to promote responsible riding—or face the full weight of the law for the few seconds of viral fame that went too far.
