Latest News
LTO chief affirms one year ban for German tourist over traffic violation in Iloilo
Iloilo City- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially hit the brakes on a German touristโs right to drive in the Philippines.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao has affirmed the decision of LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso Ge duspan II to disqualify the foreign national from operating any motor vehicle in the country for one year.
The ruling came after the German nationalโs appeal was junked, with the LTO Chief finding “no basis to disturb” the regional office’s original determination.
The case began on July 3 in Cabatuan, Iloilo, when the tourist was flagged down for not wearing a seatbelt. However, the stop revealed a much deeper legal issue.
Under Republic Act No. 4136, foreign tourists can only drive using their native license for 90 days from their date of arrival. Records showed the German national arrived on February 25, meaning his driving privilege had already expired months before his July arrest.
The German national attempted to fight back, filing a complaint against the law enforcer for allegedly “unlawfully” confiscating his Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR).
However, the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit reviewed the enforcerโs body-camera footage, which clearly showed the driver unbuckled.
The video also proved he voluntarily surrendered his ACR for identity verification since he could not produce a passport or a valid Philippine license. Hence, the LTO found zero evidence of abuse of authority by the officer.
In a stern legal decision, Asec. Lacanilao emphasized that driving is a privilege that requires strict compliance with local laws. He noted that the tourist offered “no factual refutation” of the violations and relied solely on legal arguments that failed to cure his non-compliance.
“This resolution upholds both road safety and due process,” said Director Geduspan. “Drivers must comply with mandatory seatbelt laws and secure the proper license for their entire stay.”
The German national was ordered to serve a 1-year disqualification from driving or applying for a Philippine license and pay hefty fines for violating the Seatbelt Use Act (RA 8750) and the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136).
