LTO issues SCO to QC Councilor Rannie Ludovica for riding without a helmet
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against Quezon City District 2 Councilor, Ranulfo “Rannie” Ludovica, after a video showed him riding a motorcycle without a helmet during a community patrol.
The video submitted to the agency showed Ludovica riding what appeared to be a Can-Am three-wheeler alongside other barangay officials in Quezon City. He was not wearing a standard protective helmet while on the road. The Can-Am is considered a “motorcycle without sidecar” under existing LTO classifications.
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, ordered the issuance of an SCO to the vehicle’s registered owner and rider, directing them to appear before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on October 22, 2026. They must submit sworn statements or explanations, along with supporting documents, addressing the alleged violation.
Lacanilao said community patrols do not exempt officials from traffic laws, including the mandatory use of motorcycle helmets.
Ang pagroronda para mapanatili ang kaayusan ng komunidad ay hindi dahilan para balewalain ang batas-trapiko. Anuman ang tungkulin sa kalsada, kailangang magsuot ng helmet at sumunod sa mga patakaran para sa sariling kaligtasan.
(Patrolling to maintain peace and order in the community is no excuse for disregarding traffic laws. Regardless of one’s duties on the road, wearing a helmet and following traffic rules are essential for personal safety.)
In a statement on his official social media page, Ludovica defended his decision to ride without a helmet, saying that some barangays in District 2 prohibit riders from wearing helmets to help officials identify and deter riding-in-tandem criminals. He was reportedly conducting his “Oplan Galugad” operation when he was caught on video riding without a helmet.
The LTO maintained that local and barangay ordinances cannot override national laws, including Republic Act 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, which requires motorcycle riders and their pillions to wear standard protective helmets.
Ludovica could face penalties for the alleged violation. His driver’s license could also be suspended or revoked if he is declared an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle under existing laws and procedures.
The LTO expects the councilor to surrender his driver’s license to the IID for a 90-day suspension. The three-wheeled motorcycle has also been placed under alarm status.
