LTO takes action vs rider who hit 2 joggers in Makati
To encourage healthier lifestyles, some cities have designated Sundays as “Car-Free Sundays” on major roads. During specific hours, these roads are closed to motor vehicle traffic, giving people a safer space to walk, jog, or cycle without having to share the road with passing vehicles.
In Manila, for example, a portion of Roxas Boulevard is closed every Sunday from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Quezon City also holds Car-Free Sundays on a portion of Tomas Morato Avenue on select Sundays, from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Makati, meanwhile, has designated the Ayala Triangle area, covering Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas, along with a portion of Ayala Avenue, for Car-Free Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The idea is pretty straightforward, and that’s to give people a safer space to walk, jog, or cycle without having to worry about motor vehicles.
Apparently, one kamote rider missed the memo.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now taking action against a motorcycle rider who hit two joggers during Makati’s Car-Free Sunday on August 30, 2026. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and proceedings, the rider could face sanctions that may result in the suspension or revocation of his driver’s license.
Based on the LTO’s initial investigation, the rider was involved in an incident where two runners were struck while using the road during the designated car-free period. The registered owner and the rider have been ordered to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) for a hearing on September 8, 2026.
As part of due process, they are required to submit a sworn statement or written explanation, along with supporting documents that may help explain their side and address the allegations against them.
The rider could face violations for Reckless Driving and Disregarding Traffic Signs. The LTO may also suspend or revoke his driver’s license if he is found to be an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, said motorists cannot simply ignore road closures meant to protect the public.
Kung may malinaw na pagbabawal, dapat malinaw din ang pagsunod. Sa nangyari sa Makati, hindi namin hahayaang mauwi sa wala ang isang paglabag na nagdulot ng panganib sa mga taong dapat ay ligtas na gumagamit ng kalsada.
(If there is a clear prohibition, compliance should be just as clear. What happened in Makati should not be allowed to simply go away, especially when a violation put people who were supposed to be safely using the road at risk.)
Rider says he did not see barrier
Makati police said the young rider told them that he proceeded along the road because he did not see any barrier blocking his path. Police said the rider was heading toward Paseo de Roxas at around 9:20 a.m. when the incident happened.
The two injured joggers and the rider were taken to a nearby hospital, and all three were later cleared and released, according to police.
The motorcycle involved has already been placed under an alarm by the LTO while the investigation continues. The rider’s driver’s license will likewise be placed under alarm and must be surrendered to the IID. It will then be subject to a 90-day preventive suspension.
Aside from the administrative cases being pursued by the LTO, the rider could also face a criminal complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple injuries.
The LTO said it will continue to monitor road violations and take action against incidents that could put public safety at risk. It also reminded motorists to drive responsibly and follow traffic rules, particularly in areas designated for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, and other road users.
