LTO-7 Revokes Licenses of 5 Vloggers Over Traffic Violations
LTO-7 Revokes Licenses of 5 Vloggers Over Traffic Violations. The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has made headlines in 2025 by taking strong action against erring motorists, including popular vloggers and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. In a firm show of commitment to road safety and lawful driving, the agency announced on July 29, 2025, that it had revoked or suspended several driver’s licenses during the first half of the year due to traffic violations, road mishaps, and even drug-related offenses.
5 Vloggers Penalized for Breaking Traffic Laws
One of the most talked-about cases in 2025 is the revocation of licenses of five vloggers who were found violating multiple road safety rules. These content creators, whose names were withheld by authorities for privacy reasons, were among dozens of violators penalized across Central Visayas during the January to June period.
These vloggers were not just casual drivers but had a considerable following on social media. Unfortunately, their content included reckless driving, filming while operating a vehicle, and endangering public safety all serious breaches of the Philippine traffic code.
According to LTO-7, the move to revoke their licenses was not only punitive but also educational. The agency hopes the incident sends a clear message: traffic laws apply to everyone, regardless of fame or online popularity.
Scale of Violations in the Region
The disciplinary actions weren’t limited to just a few personalities. From January 1 to July 22, 2025, LTO-7 suspended a total of 411 driver’s licenses for various infractions. In addition, 12 licenses were fully revoked after the drivers amassed more than 40 demerit points, a threshold that triggers license cancellation under LTO guidelines.
Common Traffic Violations in Central Visayas (H1 2025)
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | Suspension / Revocation |
| Driving without a valid license | Fine + License Revocation |
| Failure to wear seatbelts | Fine + Demerit Points |
| Overcharging passengers (PUVs) | Suspension + Franchise Review |
| Breach of franchise conditions | Suspension + Possible Revocation |
| Drug use while driving | Permanent Revocation |
Viral Videos Lead to More Suspensions
In the era of social media, viral videos of road mishaps and violations have become instrumental in identifying and penalizing reckless drivers. According to LTO-7, 28 additional licenses were recommended for revocation or suspension due to violations caught on viral posts. These included footage of illegal overtaking, blocking emergency lanes, and dangerous driving behavior.
LTO-7 stated that the agency actively monitors these videos and works in coordination with law enforcement and local government units (LGUs) to track violators down. In many cases, online evidence provides the missing link needed for legal enforcement.
Random Drug Tests Catch PUV Drivers
Another alarming discovery came earlier in the year when three PUV drivers tested positive for illegal drug use during random drug testing at the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals during Holy Week in April 2025.
Drug Test Results and Actions Taken
| Driver Type | Drug Test Result | Action Taken by LTO-7 |
|---|---|---|
| PUV Driver #1 | Positive (Confirmed) | License Revoked |
| PUV Driver #2 | Positive (Confirmed) | License Revoked |
| PUV Driver #3 | Positive (Confirmed) | License Revoked |
The results were later verified through confirmatory tests, as per protocol, and the driver’s licenses were revoked permanently. This makes them the first batch of public transport drivers to lose their licenses due to drug use in 2025.
A Strong Statement from the Regional Director
Regional Director Glen Galario emphasized that possessing a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. He reiterated the LTO’s commitment to ensuring that only competent, law-abiding individuals are granted this privilege.
“This should serve as a warning not only to public utility drivers but to all motorists,” said Galario. “Ensuring road safety means checking not just if the vehicles are roadworthy, but also if drivers are fit to drive mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
He also highlighted the strict licensing procedures now in place, including:
- Compulsory completion of training at accredited driving schools
- Passing both written and practical driving tests
- Drug and alcohol screening for certain license categories
- Continuous monitoring through the demerit point system
Revoked Driver’s License: Understanding the Impact
When a driver’s license is revoked, the individual is no longer legally allowed to drive in the Philippines. Reapplication is either extremely difficult or impossible, depending on the severity of the violation. In most cases, revocation is permanent.
Suspension, on the other hand, is temporary and may last from several months to years. During the suspension period, the driver must comply with certain requirements to regain their license, such as attending seminars or paying fines.
The Demerit System: How It Works
Introduced in recent years, the LTO demerit point system is designed to monitor driver behavior over time.
| Infraction | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving | 5 |
| Driving Without License | 5 |
| Not Wearing Seatbelt | 1 |
| Use of Mobile Phone While Driving | 5 |
| DUI or Drug Use | 10 (plus Revocation) |
| Accumulated 40+ Points | License Revoked |
Motorists who accumulate 40 or more points within a given period face automatic license revocation, regardless of whether the offenses were minor or major. This system is intended to promote safe driving habits and weed out habitual violators.
The Role of Technology and Public Awareness
With the rise of dashcams, CCTV coverage, and social media, authorities now have greater access to real-time evidence of traffic violations. Moreover, the public plays a crucial role by reporting errant drivers, sharing dashcam footage, and posting violations online.
LTO-7 has encouraged citizens to continue reporting unsafe drivers, noting that collective vigilance can significantly improve road safety in the region.
Why This Crackdown Matters
The LTO’s actions in the first half of 2025 reflect a broader strategy of enforcing accountability. Whether it’s through penalties, license suspensions, or public awareness, the agency is making it clear that reckless driving, drug use, and non-compliance with traffic laws will not be tolerated.
By targeting influencers like vloggers and drug-using PUV drivers, LTO-7 is setting a strong example. These cases are now being used in road safety seminars as learning materials to educate the next generation of drivers.
FAQs About LTO-7 Revokes Licenses of 5 Vloggers Over Traffic Violations
What happens if a driver accumulates 40 or more demerit points?
Ans: If a driver earns 40 demerit points or more, the LTO will revoke the license, and the individual may be permanently banned from reapplying. It is considered a serious indication of repeated offenses.
Can a revoked driver’s license be reinstated in the Philippines?
Ans: In most cases, revoked licenses cannot be reinstated, especially if the violation involves drug use, fraud, or multiple serious offenses. However, some suspended licenses may be eligible for reinstatement after meeting certain conditions.
How does LTO-7 detect violations from viral videos?
Ans: LTO-7 monitors viral content on social media and cross-references plate numbers, locations, and timestamps. They often collaborate with local authorities to validate the footage and summon violators for formal investigation.
Conclusion
The revocation of licenses in 2025 sends a bold message: No one is above the law. Whether you’re a vlogger filming for content, a PUV driver serving commuters, or a private motorist traffic laws are in place to protect lives.
