By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the driver of a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) involved in a viral traffic altercation here in this city.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao confirmed on Sunday (Oct. 12) that the SCO was issued on Oct. 11, 2025 directing the driver to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident that drew widespread public attention online.
Asec. Lacanilao instructed Renante G. Melitante, Chief of the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division, to initiate the issuance of the order and conduct a thorough investigation into possible violations of traffic and vehicle registration laws.
The vehicle in question, a Lexus LX570, was seen using blinkers and bearing a “10” protocol plate — a number designation reserved only for justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Office of the Solicitor General, in accordance with LTO guidelines.
However, the passenger did not fall under any of these official categories.
Reports and videos circulating online identified the passenger as Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTr).
The incident showed Alfonso’s driver and security aide confronting and allegedly slapping the driver of an Isuzu multicab after a traffic altercation.
Lacanilao stressed that the LTO is committed to enforcing all laws and regulations “without fear or favor, regardless of position or title.”
“The use of blinkers, sirens, and protocol plates is strictly regulated under existing laws and administrative orders. We will not tolerate any misuse of these privileges, especially by individuals who should serve as examples to the public,” Lacanilao said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Administrative Order No. 18, issued in April 2024, prohibits government officials from using sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling devices on their vehicles, except those belonging to law enforcement, emergency, or rescue services.
The LTO said that the driver is required to appear before the agency to explain why his license should not be suspended or revoked for possible violations related to the improper use of protocol plates and accessories.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez confirmed that Undersecretary Alfonso has apologized to the involved motorist and dismissed his driver following the incident.
The LTO reiterated that apologies or private settlements do not exempt violators from administrative or legal accountability.
“The agency will continue to act decisively on incidents that undermine public trust in road safety enforcement and government integrity,” Lacanilao emphasized. ###
