The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against a municipal councilor from Taytay, Rizal, after a video allegedly showed her filming herself and dancing while driving without wearing a seatbelt.
LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered an immediate investigation into the incident for possible violations of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, reckless driving regulations and mandatory seatbelt requirements.
According to the LTO, the video, which was uploaded to the councilor’s own Facebook page, showed her taking her hands off the steering wheel to dance while the vehicle was moving.
The agency said the councilor appeared to divert her attention from the road to the camera, potentially endangering herself and other motorists.
The LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) subsequently issued the SCO, directing the councilor to appear at the LTO Central Office on November 23, 2026.
She was ordered to submit a sworn statement explaining her actions, along with supporting documents, as part of the investigation into possible violations of traffic safety regulations.
As an immediate administrative measure, the LTO also directed the councilor to surrender her driver’s license to the IID for a 90-day suspension.
The vehicle used in the incident has likewise been placed under an LTO alarm.
The agency warned that the councilor could face further penalties, including the possible revocation of her driver’s license, if the investigation determines that she is an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
Lacanilao emphasized that public officials and ordinary motorists alike must comply with traffic laws, particularly those intended to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving.
“Hindi dapat isinasakripisyo ang kaligtasan sa kalsada para lamang sa paggawa ng content. Tungkulin ng bawat drayber na sumunod sa batas-trapiko at maging responsable sa pagmamaneho, anuman ang kanyang posisyon sa lipunan,” Lacanilao said.
The LTO reiterated its warning against using mobile phones or engaging in other distracting activities while operating a vehicle.
It also encouraged the public to report incidents of distracted driving, assuring that complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken against violators.
The councilor has yet to present her explanation in the administrative proceedings, with the investigation expected to determine whether additional sanctions are warranted.
