More traffic violators caught in 1st half

CEBU, Philippines — With around 500 policemen deputized to apprehend erring drivers, the number of erring motorists apprehended during the first half of the year has more than doubled, Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Central Visayas data showed.

Statistics revealed that LTO-7 recorded 25,112 violators from January to June this year compared to 9,657 logged in the same period in 2018.

This means the data spiked by 160 percent within the period.

Bulk of the 25,112 apprehensions was recorded in Cebu with 19,700, way higher than last year’s 6,477 apprehensions.

LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec has attributed the increase to 470 deputized police personnel in the region.

The deputized personnel are authorized to confiscate the driver’s licenses of erring motorists in accordance with Republic Act 4136 or The Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Among the noted violations were no helmet, no seatbelt, no driver’s license, no registration and reckless driving, said Caindec.

LTO-7 Legal Officer Vicente Gador Jr. said the driver’s license of those apprehended for reckless driving will be revoked.

“Our system will automatically revoke the license,” he said.

But as for the issuance of driver’s license, it decreased by 10 percent.

Caindec said LTO-7 has issued 350,000 licenses from January to June this year, lower by 10 percent from last year’s P390,000.

“This means, LTO is implementing stricter measures,” he said, adding that LTO-7 is doing its best to improve its services.

Also, he said a driver's license is not a right but a privilege, so it can be revoked or denied.

“We are also reminding the people nga ang inyong lisensya dili na katungod but pribilihiyo na. Kana nga probilihiyo angayan na nga ampingan kay pwede na namo bakwion," he said during yesterday’s “Kapihan sa LTO” forum.

The forum, which was launched yesterday, aims to provide people an avenue to raise their “unfiltered” complaints and concerns. LTO-7 will broadcast it live twice a month on Facebook.

The forum will also discuss road safety laws and issues, among others. — KBQ (FREEMAN)