The Davao City Council has called on the Land Transportation Office Region XI to immediately suspend or revoke the licenses of so-called kamote riders and motorists involved in drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, and reckless driving that result in injury, death, or property damage.
The appeal was raised by Councilor Atty. Diosdado Mahipus Jr. through a privilege speech and a proposed resolution during a recent council session. Mahipus said administrative sanctions should apply regardless of any settlement reached by parties involved in traffic incidents.
Mahipus cited reports that more than 30 individuals were taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City during the closing days of December due to road mishaps over the holiday period. He said the figure reflects a troubling pattern rather than isolated accidents.
He stressed that incidents caused by kamote riders and other reckless drivers are not unavoidable tragedies but acts of negligence already addressed by existing laws. He cited Republic Act 10586, which penalizes driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs, and Republic Act 4136 and Republic Act 10930, which allow the withdrawal of driving privileges from unsafe or unfit drivers.
Mahipus emphasized that a driver’s license is a privilege granted for public safety and may be withdrawn through administrative action independent of criminal proceedings.
He also urged mandatory reporting of traffic incidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, the Philippine National Police Traffic Enforcement Unit, and the Davao City Police Office to LTO-XI, in line with Republic Act 7160.
Mahipus said swift coordination and firm enforcement are needed to reduce preventable road tragedies and protect lives on Davao City roads.
