‘𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐍𝐄𝐆𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄’

𝐋𝐓𝐎-𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟒 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬

BY GEROME DALIPE

ILOILO CITY — A pharmacy student on her way to school. A trio of women going about their morning routine. An elderly woman crossing to attend Mass. A mother waiting to cross a quiet lane.

Their stories, though separate, are bound by one devastating thread: fatal road crashes that could have been prevented.

Now, the Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) is seeking justice—not through courts, but through administrative accountability.

In response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s call for intensified road safety enforcement, and under the direction of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, LTO-6 has moved to revoke the driver’s licenses of four motorists linked to recent deadly incidents across Western Visayas.

The initiative, led by Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu, is based on investigations conducted by the regional office’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit, headed by Ms. Shiela Mae Alulod, pursuant to Republic Act 10930 and RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code).

A Tragic Walk to School

It was 7:40 a.m. on June 4 when an 18-year-old pharmacy student attempted to cross the pedestrian lane along Diversion Road in Barangay Dungon B, Iloilo City. What was supposed to be a routine morning rush turned fatal when a PNP Health Service ambulance struck her while en route to an official function.

Despite efforts by the police corporal behind the wheel—who immediately brought the victim to the hospital—she succumbed to her injuries on June 11.

While acknowledging the officer’s duty status and emergency response, the LTO-6 concluded that the highest level of caution was still required at marked crossings. His professional license is now recommended for revocation, along with penalties for reckless driving.

Three Lives Lost in Seconds

Ten days later, on June 14 in Cabatuan, Iloilo, three women—two walking, one collecting recyclables—were killed after a car suddenly veered off the road.

The driver, a 20-year-old from Maasin, claimed he fell asleep behind the wheel. Though he expressed remorse and had no prior violations, LTO-6 officials cited his failure to anticipate danger.

His non-professional license is now up for a four-year revocation, along with corresponding fines and an alarm status to prevent future renewals during the penalty period.

A Mother’s Life Cut Short

On May 3, in the quiet town of Hamtic, Antique, 48-year-old Linda Gultiano Samuya was standing on a pedestrian lane when a tricycle struck her.

Instead of waiting for medical responders, the driver moved her to a nearby shed. Medical professionals later confirmed that the lack of proper aid may have worsened her condition. She was declared brain dead two days later.

Though the driver offered financial help to the family, the LTO-6 found the act negligent and recommended revoking his professional license, placing it on alarm, and issuing fines for reckless driving.

Elderly Woman Hit in Front of Church

Earlier this year, on February 7 in Bacolod City, 84-year-old Gloria V. Lanaca was crossing the pedestrian lane outside Saint Jude Thaddeus Parish when a pick-up truck struck her.

The driver denied any fault, but eyewitnesses, police records, and CCTV footage told a different story. The LTO-6 invoked the Doctrine of Last Clear Chance, noting that the driver had ample opportunity to stop.

The agency concluded he failed to exercise due care and recommended his license be revoked and placed under alarm for four years.

LTO-6: Road Discipline is Non-Negotiable

“These aren’t just statistics; these are people whose lives were lost and families left to grieve,” said Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu. “We must send a clear message: road safety is a shared responsibility, and negligence that leads to loss of life will not go unpunished.”

The crackdown is part of a broader national campaign led by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II and fully backed by DOTr Secretary Dizon.

All four drivers have been directed to surrender their licenses to the LTO Regional Office VI – Intelligence and Investigation Unit in Jaro, Iloilo City. Failure to do so within five days will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, allowing LTO-6 to act on the matter based on the evidence on record.