LTO revokes driver’s license of female vlogger for reckless driving

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of a female vlogger who went viral on social media earlier this year for driving a vehicle while holding a recording device.

In a statement, the LTO said it also imposed fines and disqualified the vlogger known as “Ishi Lee” from renewing her driver’s license for the next two years.

The agency initially issued a show cause order (SCO) in February against the female vlogger, following the viral social media video that showed her driving while holding a recording device.

However, the vlogger was unable to attend the hearing set by the LTO or submit a written explanation, prompting the LTO to resolve the complaint.

“Sa kabila ng naunang desisyon na nagbabawal sa vlogger na magmaneho, lumabas sa mga ulat na patuloy pa rin siyang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan, na nagdulot ng paglabag sa naturang kautusan ng LTO at karagdagang kaso ng driving without a valid driver’s license,” the LTO said.

(Despite an earlier decision that barred the vlogger from driving a motor vehicle, reports showed that she still drove a vehicle – in violation of the LTO’s order. This is another case of driving without a valid driver’s license.)

The agency then issued a supplemental order dated April 20 against the vlogger.

The supplemental order itemized her violations, such as reckless driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, anti-distracted driving, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

In a Facebook post dated April 20, the vlogger said she never formally received a copy of the SCO.

“Maraming nagtataka bakit nakakapagdrive pa rin ako. Kasi walang sinerve sa akin na SCO na naka black and white,” Ishi Lee said.

(Many are wondering why I am still driving. Because there was no SCO served to me in black and white.)

She added that the LTO claimed that they sent a copy of the SCO to her.

“Pero nasaan ang papel na yon? Bakit wala akong nareceive? (Where is that paper now? Why didn’t I receive anything?)” the vlogger added.

Apart from the fines, revocation of her driver’s license and the two-year disqualification from renewal, the LTO also impounded the vlogger’s vehicle.

It will remain impounded until the vlogger completes the required registration papers and pays the fines imposed by the agency.

The LTO also ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest the female vlogger if she is caught driving again on a public road and to impound her vehicle.

“Ang mga patakaran at kautusan ng LTO ay hindi opsyonal. Kapag ito ay binalewala, may kaakibat itong agarang pananagutan at kaparusahan sa ilalim ng batas,” said LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.

(The LTO’s regulations and orders are not optional. If these are disregarded, this means accountability and penalties under the law.)

“Hindi namin kukunsintihin ang paulit-ulit o lantaran na paglabag sa mga regulasyon sa kalsada. Ang sinumang patuloy na hindi sumusunod ay agad na papatawan ng kaukulang aksyon upang maprotektahan ang kaligtasan ng publiko,” he added.

(We will not condone repeated or blatant violations of road regulations. Anyone who continues to defy these rules will immediately face actions in order to protect public safety.) — JMA, GMA News