Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday called for the revocation, not just the suspension, of licenses for erring drivers, following a tragic vehicular incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that claimed two lives, including a five-year-old girl.
Escudero emphasized the need for stricter penalties for motorists involved in road rage and accidents, describing them as “a threat to public safety.”
“Videos of ‘kamote’ drivers have become viral content on social media, but their behavior is neither funny nor harmless,” Escudero said. “These acts often lead to accidents and even violence, highlighting the urgent need for discipline on our roads.”
He criticized the current Land Transportation Office (LTO) policy of suspending licenses for 90 days, calling it insufficient. “Revoking—not suspending—their licenses is the necessary action. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Motorists have a responsibility to ensure the safety of others,” he added.
Escudero’s remarks come in the wake of a fatal incident at NAIA involving 47-year-old Leo Gonzales, a company driver from Lobo, Batangas, who crashed a black Ford Everest into a crowd at the airport’s departure area early Sunday morning.
According to the Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup), Gonzales was wearing slippers when he lost control of the vehicle. Safety experts say slippers can compromise pedal control due to their thin soles and poor grip, potentially contributing to such accidents. While not illegal, driving in slippers is widely discouraged for safety reasons.
Two individuals were killed and at least four others were injured in the incident. Witnesses said the victims were standing in line with their families when the SUV suddenly veered into the queue.
Gonzales, who tested negative for drugs and alcohol, has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple injuries, and property damage. He is currently detained at Avsegroup’s Mobile Patrol Security Unit in Pasay City.
In response, the Department of Transportation has issued Department Order No. 2025-008 mandating comprehensive drug and alcohol testing for all drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs), including motorcycle taxi riders. The costs will be shouldered by the operators and owners.
“Drastic measures should be taken to restore order on our roads,” Escudero concluded. “Revoking the licenses of abusive and reckless drivers is a strong first step toward safer streets.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Revoke, not suspend, licenses of ‘kamote’ drivers – Escudero.”