LTO probes San Agustin Eco-Tourism Ride over alleged street racing-like behavior
A motorcycle activity promoted as a way to support local tourism has drawn the attention of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after videos of road crashes and dangerous riding during the event went viral.
The agency has issued Show Cause Orders (SCOs) against the organizers of the San Agustin Eco-Tourism Ride 2026 (SAECv3), an endurance ride that requires participants to complete a prescribed 650-kilometer route within 16 hours. The event started and ended in the Municipality of San Agustin, Isabela, and was held from October 3 to 4.
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, said activities that result in road safety issues should no longer be organized or supported.
Hindi dapat nag-oorganisa o sumasali sa isang aktibidad na nauuwi sa paglabag sa batas-trapiko. Lalo na kung malinaw naman sa mga kalahok ang kanilang responsibilidad bilang mga motorista at alam nila ang mga panganib na maaaring idulot ng kanilang mga kilos sa kalsada.
(No one should organize or participate in an activity that results in violations of traffic laws, especially when the participants clearly understand their responsibilities as motorists and are aware of the risks their actions on the road may pose.)
After videos related to the event circulated online, the LTO identified four organizers and issued SCOs against them. The videos that prompted the agency’s action show several participants allegedly riding dangerously, exceeding the prescribed speed limit, and failing to observe the necessary precautions on the road.
A police report obtained by the LTO also indicates that one of the incidents resulted in physical injuries and property damage.
Under the SCOs, the organizers are required to identify the riders involved in the incidents and appear before the LTO. They have three days from receipt of the orders to submit their explanations and state why they should not face administrative liability for organizing and conducting the activity.
The LTO is also reviewing the legality of the Waiver of Liability signed by SAECv3 participants as part of its enforcement of traffic laws. The waiver states that participants acknowledge and accept the risks associated with taking part in the activity. It also makes participants responsible for their own safety and conduct, the condition of their motorcycles, and compliance with traffic laws and event rules.
It further states that participants are responsible for any apprehension, fines, or penalties resulting from their own violations.
Once the riders involved in the incidents are identified, Lacanilao has ordered their motorcycles placed under alarm status and their driver’s licenses placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while the investigation continues. Those found to have violated traffic laws may also face the corresponding penalties, including applicable provisions under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136.
