ILOILO City – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians against allowing minors to operate motor vehicles, highlighting the legal, safety, and moral implications of such actions.
According to LTO-6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II, under Philippine laws, individuals must meet the minimum age requirement and possess a valid driver’s license to legally drive.
Allowing minors without licenses to operate vehicles is a serious violation of traffic laws and exposes parents or guardians to legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal liability.
Geduspan emphasized that driving requires discipline, skill, and maturity — qualities minors may lack.
Allowing them to drive not only endangers their safety but also puts other road users at risk.
Such act may be considered a form of child abuse under Presidential Decree No. 603 (Youth and Welfare Code) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), which impose heavy penalties on violators.
The LTO-6, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), is actively campaigning to educate parents and guardians about these risks and the importance of adhering to traffic laws.
This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic laws, ensuring road safety, and protecting minors from the risks associated with driving without proper licenses.
The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the legal consequences and potential hazards, including accidents and injuries, that can arise from underage driving.
The agencies call on families to take shared responsibility in ensuring road safety and preventing unnecessary accidents caused by underage and unlicensed drivers.
The minimum age for a student permit is 16, while a non-professional driver’s license can be issued at 17, with parental consent.
Driving requires discipline, responsibility, and skill, which underaged drivers may lack.
In the event of accidents involving unlicensed minors, parents or guardians may face charges, including negligence or violations under Youth and Welfare Code, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Under PD 603, allowing or requiring a minor to drive without a license is considered a form of child abuse, punishable by imprisonment of six to eight years.
RA 7610 similarly penalizes any act exploiting or endangering children, including forcing them to drive.
The LTO-6 director emphasized the need for parents to act responsibly by adhering to laws and promoting road safety.
“Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads. Let us prioritize safety and follow the rules to prevent unnecessary road incidents,” stressed Geduspan.
In addition, Director Geduspan noted that the partnership with the PNP is crucial in addressing this issue more effectively.
Both agencies are committed to educating the public about existing laws, such as Presidential Decree No. 603 and Republic Act No. 7610, which penalize parents who allow minors to drive.
Through intensified checkpoints, community engagements, and educational initiatives, the LTO and PNP aim to encourage parents to act responsibly, ensuring that only qualified and licensed individuals are allowed behind the wheel./PN
