LTFRB vows to take ‘kamote drivers’ off the road

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday said it will impose zero tolerance for so-called “kamote” or reckless public utility drivers, following the issues raised by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in a recent vlog. 

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said there will be a full crackdown on irresponsible drivers in public transport, emphasizing that public safety is a “non-negotiable.”

“The President is right. This has to stop. These drivers are a threat to public safety, and we will take them off the road,” Guadiz said. 

“Driving a public vehicle is a responsibility. If you’re reckless, you’re out because it poses danger to people’s lives,” he added. 

The LTFRB chief issued the statement in reaction to the President’s vlog where Marcos raised concerns about the recent road rage incidents in the country, including a traffic altercation in Antipolo City that resulted in the death of one person and the wounding of several others.

Marcos thus called on motorists to observe discipline while on the road and not to resort to violence when there are unpleasant encounters.

“Tayong lahat ay kailangan sumunod sa batas trapiko. Kailangan ang disiplina para maging responsableng mga Pilipino sa lansangan. Huwag maging kamote, masyado nang madami ‘yan,” the President said.

(All of us have to obey traffic laws. We need discipline to be responsible on the streets. Don't be a reckless driver, many people are already like that.)

“At bukod sa dunong sa pagmamaneho, ang lahat ay kailangan ayusin ang pag-uugali sa pagmamaneho at habaan ang pasensya,” he added.

(Aside from driving properly, motorists also need to be patient and control their behavior while behind the wheel.)

The LTFRB said it is working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units to identify and penalize the drivers involved in the recent road rage incidents. 

Additional field inspectors will also be deployed by the LTFRB to ensure safety in public transport. 

Guadiz warned that franchise holders who fail to control their drivers will face possible administrative charges and preventive suspensions. 

“We are moving now—not after another accident. We’re auditing operators with repeated violations and will revoke franchises if necessary,” he said. —RF, GMA Integrated News