Photo credit: LTO

A viral video showing a gasoline station attendant chasing a moving vehicle has prompted action from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), placing a vlogger and their companions under investigation.

The agency issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the vlogger, the driver, and the registered owner of a Toyota Land Cruiser involved in the incident, which took place along Maharlika Highway in Allacapan, Cagayan. The video, which spread widely on social media, showed the attendant running after the vehicle after it allegedly left the station without paying.

An investigation by the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division found that the individual who recorded the video was inside the vehicle during the incident and allegedly allowed or encouraged the driver to continue driving while the attendant chased them under the heat of the sun.

All parties involved have been ordered to appear before the LTO and submit sworn statements explaining why they should not be held liable for administrative violations, including reckless driving. They were also directed to explain why they should not be declared unfit to operate a motor vehicle under existing laws.

As part of the initial sanctions, the driver has been required to surrender their license, which is now under a 90-day preventive suspension. The vehicle has also been placed under alarm status, preventing its use or transfer while the case is being resolved.

LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao condemned the incident, stressing that turning dangerous situations into online content puts lives at risk and reflects a lack of responsibility among motorists.

The LTO reiterated its warning that vehicles should not be used for irresponsible, abusive, or exploitative acts, regardless of whether the purpose is entertainment or social media content. The agency also emphasized that it will continue monitoring online platforms to identify violations and enforce road safety laws more strictly.