A vlogger, along with a driver and the registered owner of a vehicle, is now under investigation after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show cause order (SCO) over a viral incident in Allacapan.
The case stemmed from a widely circulated video showing a gasoline station attendant chasing a moving vehicle along Maharlika Highway after it allegedly left without paying for fuel. The footage sparked public outrage, with many raising concerns over the safety and treatment of the worker.
According to the LTO, the SCO was issued following an investigation conducted by its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID). The video showed a Toyota Land Cruiser traveling along the highway while the attendant ran after it under intense heat. The individual who recorded the video was reportedly inside the vehicle and allegedly allowed or instructed the driver to continue moving despite the situation.
Based on reports, a former mayor who allegedly made the attendant chase his car for a vlog is now also facing a possible lifetime driving ban. Authorities said the ex-mayor may even own the gasoline station where the attendant works, raising concerns that the act could have been staged at the employee’s expense.
The agency has ordered the involved parties—the vlogger, the registered owner, and the driver—to appear before the LTO and submit sworn statements explaining why they should not be held liable for administrative violations. These include reckless driving and possible disqualification from operating a motor vehicle for being deemed an improper person to drive.
As part of immediate actions, the driver’s license has been confiscated and placed under a 90-day preventive suspension, while the vehicle has been placed under alarm status.
LTO Chief Markus V. Lacanilao stressed that even if the act was intended as a prank, forcing an employee to run after a moving vehicle is dangerous and unacceptable, as it puts the worker’s safety at serious risk.
He added that such behavior has no place on public roads and should never be turned into content.
The LTO reiterated its warning that vehicles must not be used for irresponsible, abusive, or exploitative acts, regardless of intent.
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