SCO issued to LTO Taal Extension Office chief for riding without helmet
Riding without a proper motorcycle helmet is one of the most common violations committed by kamote riders. Beyond being illegal under RA 10054 which carries a PHP 1,500 fine, it remains a major contributor to fatal head injuries in motorcycle crash statistics.
Unfortunately, some government personnel, including a few within the Land Transportation Office (LTO), seem to believe they can bend the rules simply because they’re the ones enforcing them. But that’s not the case under LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao.
Recently, a Show Cause Order (SCO) was issued to LTO Taal Extension Office chief Gilda Zubia, requiring her to explain why administrative charges and other sanctions should not be imposed on her. This came after she was photographed riding a motorcycle without a safety helmet—a violation that quickly went viral on social media.
In his post, the netizen expressed frustration that LTO Taal personnel were out on the roads enforcing traffic laws, yet seemed to turn a blind eye to violations committed by their own chief.
The LTO added that Zubia has been relieved from her post to allow an impartial and thorough investigation to proceed.
“Hindi natin maaaring balewalain ang anumang paglabag sa batas-trapiko, lalo na kung mismong hepe pa ng aming tanggapan ang sangkot,” said LTO Region IV-A Regional Director, Elmer Decena.
(We cannot ignore any violation of traffic laws, especially when it involves the head of our own office.)
Decena added that his office has already submitted a recommendation to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City for Zubia’s immediate suspension. He also assured the public that the agency remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and without favor. Decena likewise urged citizens to report similar incidents, especially those involving government personnel, so that proper accountability can be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
