LTO, PNP and riders launch Marilaque safety campaign

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP), various rider groups and other stakeholders to improve safety on Marilaque Road, following the tragic death of a motovlogger due to a dangerous motorcycle stunt last month.

LTO chief assistant secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, along with Senator JV Ejercito, a known motorcycle enthusiast, led a motorcade with hundreds of riders to promote the "Make Marilaque Road Safe Again" campaign.

The event aimed to raise awareness of road safety for all users. Mendoza stated, “It is unfortunate that it took a death to wake us all up, but we will use this momentum to push for road safety nationwide."

In line with the campaign, the LTO also highlighted the "Stop Road Crash" initiative launched last year, addressing the increasing number of road accidents in the country. According to the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), 31,000 road accidents occurred in 2024, resulting in 2,747 fatalities. Over 47,000 vehicles were involved, with motorcycles accounting for over 15,000 of those accidents.

Mendoza expressed concern over the rising numbers: "I personally saw the road accident figures from HPG, and it’s truly saddening. Many vehicles, especially motorcycles, were involved, and we lost many fellow Filipinos."

Mendoza emphasized that one death due to a road accident is too many, and that the LTO’s goal for 2025 is to reduce road accidents by at least 50 percent. He also noted the increasing support from large corporations and the motorcycle community in the road safety initiative. “The private sector and corporate groups are highly active in supporting our road safety advocacy. We will leverage this momentum to make roads safer for everyone,” he said.

While enforcement is key, Mendoza stressed the importance of education and training in promoting road safety. He outlined plans to collaborate with the private sector to provide necessary training for motorists across the country. The LTO also intends to enhance the driver’s license approval process to ensure better-qualified drivers on the road.

"The presence of law enforcement, alongside educational efforts, will remind motorists to follow road rules and practice discipline," Mendoza added. "Education, training, and enforcement must work hand-in-hand to improve road safety."

The LTO’s campaign for safer roads is expected to have a broad impact, aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities nationwide while fostering a culture of responsible driving.