LTO to summon Skyway Stage 3 enforcer over dangerous counterflow

LTO to summon counterflowing Skyway Stage 3 enforcer

A few weeks ago, James Deakin’s son’s traffic violation on Skyway Stage 3 exploded on social media. It led to fines, penalties, and ironically, sparked a small but necessary reform in a system that has long failed to keep pace with the times.

Now, the spotlight has swung back to Skyway itself. This time, it’s the law enforcers under fire for pulling off a reckless, highly dangerous maneuver that should never come from the very people tasked with enforcing road safety.

In dashcam footage that has since gone viral, a Skyway Stage 3 law enforcer, riding what appears to be a BMW F 750 GS, was seen executing a U-turn and counterflowing on the elevated tollway’s southbound curve between the C3/R-10 exit and the Quezon Avenue toll barrier, a maneuver widely regarded as dangerous and strictly prohibited on high-speed expressways.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) was clearly displeased and will issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the erring Skyway law enforcer once he is identified.

“Road safety is the responsibility of all road users, including those assigned to enforce road safety. In the event that a violation is proven to have occurred, we will demonstrate that the LTO is fair but strict in enforcing regulations to maintain safe travel for all motorists,” said LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao.

As part of its ongoing investigation, the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) has formally requested assistance from SLEX Manila Toll Expressway Systems, Inc. to help identify the motorcycle and rider involved in the incident, as the patrol vehicle’s plate number is not clearly visible in the circulating video.

The IID also sought access to all available CCTV and traffic monitoring footage from all relevant camera angles that may have captured the patrol’s movements before, during, and immediately after the incident.

Lacanilao said that once the registered owner and rider are positively identified, the agency will immediately issue an SCO. The individuals involved will be required to submit a verified explanation detailing their side and explaining why they should not be held liable for the traffic violations committed.