Following a series of alarming road rage incidents across the country, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Atty. Markus Lacanilao is taking a hard stance. He’s recommending a lifetime revocation of driver’s licenses for anyone involved in violent altercations on the road.
“Lahat ng masasangkot sa road rage, nire-recommend ko na ma-revoke for life,” Lacanilao said during a media briefing this week.
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According to the LTO chief, the move comes after separate incidents in Tarlac City and Biñan, Laguna, both involving aggressive drivers who failed to appear for their hearings. In Tarlac, a tricycle driver allegedly assaulted a student, while in Biñan, a motorist was caught in a heated confrontation.
Lacanilao confirmed that he has already recommended permanent license revocation for both individuals, emphasizing that due process was followed, including suspensions and hearings.
“Dinadaan lang namin sa proseso; nagkaroon ng suspension, tapos nag-hearing kami para patas lang sa parehong panig,” he explained.
The LTO chief also expressed frustration over the growing number of road-rage incidents in the country, saying the trend reflects a lack of discipline and patience among drivers.
“Apparently, medyo tumataas ‘yung road rage incidents. Kaya gusto kong magbigay ng babala—kapag kayo ay na-involve sa road rage at nagkaroon pa ng sakitan, habambuhay na tatanggalan kayo ng pagkakataon na magmaneho,” he warned.
He added that many altercations stem from “init ng ulo” due to traffic and stress, but reminded motorists that these are never valid reasons to resort to violence.
“Mga wala kasing disiplina kaya ganyan,” Lacanilao said. “Kaya bago kayo gumawa ng mga kalokohan niyo sa pagmamaneho, tigil-tigilan niyo na ‘yan.”
The LTO has been stepping up enforcement in recent months, issuing show-cause orders, suspensions, and revocations against erring drivers. This proposed “lifetime ban” aims to deter reckless and violent behavior on the road.
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Do you think a lifetime revocation is a fair punishment for road rage? Let us know your thoughts.
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