By CESAR JOLITO III
The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has initiated legal action against a motorcycle rider who was caught on video obstructing a firetruck responding to an emergency, an incident that drew public outrage after going viral on social media.
According to LTO-NIR, the widely shared Facebook video showed a motorcycle bearing plate number 857 FDF repeatedly failing to give way to a firetruck with activated sirens and warning lights.
The rider remained in the same lane, delaying the emergency vehicle’s response despite clear signals to yield.
LTO-NIR Director Jek Conlu underscored that giving way to emergency vehicles is a legal obligation, not merely a matter of courtesy.
“Every second counts in emergency situations. Any action that delays response endangers lives and property,” Conlu said, stressing the agency’s strict enforcement of traffic laws.
Using its information technology system, the LTO was able to identify and trace the registered owner of the motorcycle.
LTO cited Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, noting that Section 48 classifies failure to yield to emergency vehicles as reckless driving, which carries penalties including fines and possible suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
The agency also invoked Section 29, which holds vehicle owners accountable if they allow unlicensed or unqualified individuals to operate their vehicles.
Initial findings revealed that the motorcycle was allegedly driven by a call center agent who does not possess a valid professional or non-professional driver’s license, potentially compounding the violations.
Both the registered owner and the driver have been ordered to report to the LTO-NIR Regional Office in Bacolod City within five working days upon receipt of official notice.
They are required to submit a verified written explanation detailing their side of the incident.
LTO warned that non-compliance would result in the case being decided based solely on available evidence.
Possible charges include reckless driving, obstruction of an emergency vehicle, driving without a valid license, and delinquent vehicle registration. The registered owner may likewise face sanctions if it is proven they knowingly allowed an unlicensed individual to use the motorcycle.
The LTO-NIR reiterated its reminder to motorists to stay alert at all times and immediately yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the nearest safe lane or pulling over to clear the road.
“Yielding saves lives,” the agency emphasized./CJ, WDJ