LTO Suspends Driver for Online Gaming on the Road

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

A bus driver in Cavite has been slapped with a suspension after being caught on video allegedly playing an online game while driving. The incident, reflecting growing concerns over online gambling's impact, left officials reeling.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) took swift action on Monday, 14 July, suspending the driver’s licence pending an investigation. Acting LTO chief, Greg Pua, warned that the driver could lose his job permanently if found guilty of compromising passenger safety.

"This incident suggests possible addiction to online gaming, endangering passengers," Pua stated, emphasising the severity with which the LTO is treating the matter.

A show cause order was issued not only to the driver but also to the bus company. The driver faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and other offences that can lead to licence revocation. The bus company must also explain why it shouldn't be held accountable for employing such a driver.

It all kicked off when a vigilant passenger, travelling on the Silang-Dasmariñas route, noticed the driver was more engrossed in his mobile phone than the road. Alarmed, the passenger recorded the incident, later confirming the driver was indeed gaming.

In response, the LTO has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver, and the bus involved has been placed under alert.

Online gambling, particularly games like Scatter, has been under scrutiny, with many attributing financial and social woes to its addictive nature. Social media memes highlight individuals' dramatic shifts from wealth to poverty due to such habits.

This incident not only highlights individual irresponsibility but also emphasises the broader issue of online gaming addiction. The LTO's decisive action speaks to the growing urgency to address distracted driving and its consequences.

The pending investigation will determine the future for both the driver and the bus company. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of mobile gaming behind the wheel.

As online gaming phenomena continue to permeate everyday life, further vigilance may be required to ensure safety on the roads. The sector's issues extend beyond economic impact, touching upon public safety and responsibility.

In the meantime, authorities and public transport providers alike may need to reevaluate policies and training focused on safe driving practices, particularly in the context of growing digital distractions.

The next steps in this case could set important precedents for how similar incidents are dealt with, stressing the importance of prioritising passenger safety over personal entertainment.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-07-14