Lucban mayor, LGU workers issued SCOs over helmet violations
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has moved against Lucban, Quezon Mayor, Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde, and several local government employees after they were seen (and recorded) riding motorcycles without standard protective helmets during what seems to be a parade.
The case comes amid renewed scrutiny of government officials who are caught violating traffic rules. Earlier, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager, Nicolas Torre III, drew attention after his private vehicle was reported to have entered a bus lane and was fitted with blinkers, MMDA markings and a red license plate. Other government vehicles have also been observed using blinkers and other equipment typically associated with authorized emergency or government vehicles.
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, said public officials and government employees are expected to lead by example and follow the same traffic laws imposed on everyone else.
Bilang mga kawani ng pamahalaan, dapat tayo mismo ang nangunguna sa pagsunod sa batas. Hindi natin maaaring ipatupad ang mga batas-trapiko sa iba kung tayo mismo ay hindi sumusunod dito.
(As government employees, we should lead by example in following the law. We cannot enforce traffic laws on others if we ourselves do not follow them.)
He added that the agency will not turn a blind eye to individuals with complete disregard for road safety.
The LTO issued Show Cause Orders (SCOs) against Villaverde and the other individuals after videos and photos of the incident reached the agency. Lacanilao directed the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to identify the registered owners and designated riders of the motorcycles involved.
The individuals were ordered to appear before the LTO Central Office IID on October 1, 2026, and submit sworn statements and supporting documents explaining why they should not be held liable for violations, including the mandatory use of motorcycle helmets under Republic Act 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.
They were also asked to explain why they should not be declared Improper Persons to Operate a Motor Vehicle, a finding that could lead to the suspension or revocation of their driving licenses.
The LTO has placed the three motorcycles under an alarm while the investigation continues. The riders’ licenses were also preventively suspended for 90 days and ordered surrendered to the IID.
Villaverde had yet to issue a statement on the matter as of press time.
