New LTO chief faces ‘litmus test’ on viral road rage case

Newly appointed Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said Sunday his agency has issued a show cause order against the driver of a government official whose vehicle was involved in a viral road rage incident.

The incident, which gained widespread attention online, showed the driver and a security detail allegedly assaulting a multicab driver after a traffic altercation.

The passenger was identified as Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTr) Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso.

Lacanilao confirmed the order was issued 11 October, directing Alfonso’s driver to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The LTO is investigating the matter for possible violations of traffic and vehicle registration laws. The vehicle in question, a Lexus LX570, was seen using unauthorized blinkers and bearing Protocol Plate No. 10.

LTO guidelines reserve the “10” plate designation for justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, the Sandiganbayan and the Office of the Solicitor General.

Alfonso does not fall under any of these categories.

Reports and viral videos showed the undersecretary’s driver and security aide confronting and allegedly slapping the driver of an Isuzu multicab. While Alfonso was seen in the video, the show cause order was issued only against the driver.

A police blotter report noted the SUV is registered to a company based in Makati, not Alfonso.

Lacanilao stressed the LTO’s commitment to enforcing all laws “without fear or favor, regardless of position or title.”

“The use of blinkers, sirens, and protocol plates is strictly regulated under existing laws and administrative orders,” Lacanilao said. “We will not tolerate any misuse of these privileges, especially by individuals who should serve as examples to the public.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Administrative Order No. 18, issued in April 2024, prohibits government officials from using sirens, blinkers and similar signaling devices, except for those belonging to law enforcement, emergency or rescue services.

The LTO is requiring the driver to appear before the agency to explain why his license should not be suspended or revoked for possible violations related to the improper use of protocol plates and accessories.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that Alfonso has apologized to the motorist and dismissed his driver following the incident.

The LTO reiterated that apologies or private settlements do not exempt violators from administrative or legal accountability.