ILOILO City – Following two high-profile road tragedies that claimed lives in Luzon, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II has ordered all personnel in Western Visayas to step up proactive enforcement of road safety measures, stressing that waiting for disaster is not an option.
In a regional directive, Geduspan called on LTO-6 staff to strengthen their frontline responsibilities — particularly in evaluating drivers, strictly implementing licensing rules, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations — to help prevent similar fatal accidents from happening in their own jurisdiction.
“Please do your job well. Let us do our share to make our roads safer for the general public,” Geduspan emphasized.
His directive follows the deadly sport utility vehicle (SUV) crash outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 that killed a child and a young man, and the multi-vehicle collision involving a public bus along SCTEX in Central Luzon.
Both incidents triggered national concern and prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order sweeping reforms to improve transportation safety nationwide.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has since rolled out emergency measures including:
* mandatory drug testing for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers every 90 days
* stricter limits on public bus driving hours
* full enforcement of the Speed Limiter Law
* 90-day license suspensions for reckless driving
* tougher vehicle safety inspections
* a proposed Public Transport Safety Board to monitor compliance
Geduspan reminded LTO Region 6 staff that although these tragedies occurred outside Western Visayas, they serve as urgent reminders of the consequences of oversight and lax enforcement.
“Our vigilance today can prevent tomorrow’s headlines,” he said. “Every driver’s license we issue must reflect not just eligibility, but assurance that the holder is safe, responsible, and fit to be on the road.”
He also urged his personnel to carry out their duties with discipline and compassion, warning that public confidence in the transport system hinges on the agency’s credibility.
“Public trust is on the line,” Geduspan said. “Let’s not fail the people we serve.”/PN
