Rico Akmad Buyawan (left) and motovlogger John Louie Arguelles collide before crashing into a concrete barrier in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 26, 2025. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of Buyawan for performing a dangerous stunt that led to the death of Arguelles and injury to several bystanders. (Screengrab)
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially revoked the driver’s license of Rico Akmad Buyawan, one of the riders involved in the reckless ‘Superman’ motorcycle stunt that resulted in a fatal accident along Marilaque Highway (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) last January.
The tragic incident, which claimed the life of motovlogger John Louie Arguelles and injured at least six bystanders, sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety laws.
In a statement on Tuesday, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II confirmed that Buyawan had been allowed to explain his side during a formal hearing.
However, following an in-depth investigation by the LTO-Calabarzon office, authorities found Buyawan guilty of reckless driving and operating a motorcycle despite being unauthorized to drive. This led to the decision to revoke his driver’s license indefinitely.
“The driver’s license issued by the government is a privilege, not a right. It comes with a responsibility to observe road safety and act as a responsible motorist at all times,” Mendoza emphasized.
He also urged motorists, particularly motorcycle riders, to avoid treating public roads as playgrounds for dangerous stunts.
“This should serve as a lesson to all motorists that public roads are not meant for such reckless activities,” Mendoza said in Filipino.
Reckless stunt turns deadly
The accident occurred on January 26 in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, when Buyawan and Arguelles attempted to execute a ‘Superman’ stunt—a dangerous maneuver in which a rider lies flat on their stomach while riding at high speed.
A viral video of the incident showed Buyawan colliding with Arguelles, causing the latter to crash violently. Arguelles succumbed to his injuries, while at least six bystanders suffered injuries from the accident.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from road safety advocates and netizens, with many calling for stricter penalties against reckless driving and stunts on public roads.
LTO ramps up road safety advocacy
In response to the deadly crash, the LTO launched a renewed road safety campaign, ‘Stop Road Crash,’ to raise awareness about responsible riding.
As part of the initiative, several motorcycle rider groups joined a unity bike ride along Marilaque Highway, pledging their support for safer roads and stricter traffic law enforcement.
“We are committed to preventing more tragedies like this,” Mendoza said. “Through education, enforcement, and cooperation with rider groups, we aim to make our roads safer for all users.”
With the revocation of Buyawan’s license and intensified road safety efforts, authorities hope to send a strong message against reckless motorcycle stunts and prevent similar accidents.