LTO-12 Calls for Strict Compliance on Passenger Capacity Rule

The Land Transportation Office in Region 12 (LTO-12) has called on motorists to properly observe the regulation on passenger capacity to avoid penalties.

LTO-12 Director Macario Gonzaga made the call in the wake of the intensified enforcement in the region of Sections 32 and 51 of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code that prohibits the operation of vehicles that exceed their registered passenger capacity.

Gonzaga said a significant number of motorists have already been slapped with the PHP5,000 penalty for such violation since the renewed enforcement started last week.

The violators are mostly owners and drivers of cargo trucks, multicabs, Bongo-type trucks, and pickups, he said.     

"We’re urging our drivers to obey and take this regulation to heart because this is also for the safety of their passengers," he told reporters.

Gonzaga said that the intensified enforcement was ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte following the tragic road crash in T’boli, South Cotabato last September 17 that killed 23 people and injured 11 others.

He said the President summoned LTO officials in Malacañang the day after the incident and gave the marching orders "to intensify the campaign on road safety nationwide."

In line with the order, the LTO has issued a memorandum directing the strict enforcement of the allowable passenger capacity for motor vehicles.

Gonzaga said there have been criticisms on the matter from vehicle owners but noted that the agency is just complying with the provisions of RA 4136.

He said they have assigned personnel to regularly conduct roadside enforcement, as well as inspections in terminals on the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles.

"Many motorists were already apprehended and penalized because of this. So we're really appealing for the cooperation of everyone," he added.