The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said its intensified enforcement campaign, specifically the routine issuance of administrative show-cause orders, has triggered a decline in traffic violations nationwide.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said in an interview that while exact figures were not immediately available, field monitoring and intelligence reports from the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division indicate a clear year-on-year decrease in infractions.

“I don’t have the exact data right now, but based on intelligence reports and our latest monitoring, violations are going down because more motorists are complying with the law,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO chief stressed that traffic laws are enforced impartially, regardless of a violator’s socio-economic status, political position or vehicle type.

“We do not choose who to apprehend,” Lacanilao said. “Whether rich or poor, whether it’s a luxury vehicle, an ordinary vehicle, a motorcycle, a private individual or a government official, the law applies equally.”

The agency issues an average of 10 to 20 show-cause orders daily for various offenses, including road rage incidents documented by law enforcers or the public.

Lacanilao cited a common public misconception that the agency only acts on high-profile incidents that go viral online.

“People think we only issue show-cause orders for viral cases, but that is not true,” he said, explaining that the agency only posts a small fraction of cases to its social media pages to avoid flooding its digital channels.

Motorists can report traffic violations through the “Report to the LTO Chief” online platform, where submissions are reviewed within 24 hours. Complainants can track the status of their reports, including whether a violator’s license has been suspended or permanently revoked.

Lacanilao also dispelled rumors that the agency is legally prohibited from conducting traffic stops at night.