Vlogger in viral prank on gas attendant faces LTO show-cause order, possible lifetime driving ban
The Land Transportation Office has issued a show-cause order against a vlogger in Allacapan, Cagayan, whose video went viral after being seen driving off apparently without paying for gas, leaving an elderly attendant chasing the vehicle.
In a now-deleted video, a gas station worker can be heard calling, "Sir, sir," while running after a vehicle that was driving away from the station. Off-camera, someone in the vehicle can be heard chuckling, telling the attendant he was just going off for "merienda." The vehicle then turned onto Maharlika Highway but drove slowly to allow the attendant to catch up to it at some points.
Upon investigation, the LTO learned that the gas station was apparently owned by the vlogger, making the attendant one of his employees. LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao identified the vlogger as a former mayor.
On April 20, the LTO summoned the vlogger, the driver of his SUV, and the registered owner of the vehicle to explain the incident.
"Inatasan ang vlogger, rehistradong may-ari, at ang driver na humarap sa LTO at magsumite ng sinumpaang salaysay upang ipaliwanag kung bakit hindi sila dapat managot sa mga administratibong paglabag, kabilang ang reckless driving, at kung bakit hindi sila dapat ideklarang improper person to operate a motor vehicle alinsunod sa umiiral na batas," the LTO wrote in a statement shared on its Facebook page.
The driver has been ordered to surrender his license, which has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension. The SUV involved in the incident is now under alarm status, which makes its use or sale illegal.
In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB on April 20, Lacanilao said the vlogger explained that the video was a scripted prank. Still, the official found it unacceptable.
"Hindi po katangga-tanggap 'yan. Unang-una, 'yung pump attendant, kung empleyado man niya, hindi naman katanggap-tanggap na parang ginawa niyang laruan, na pinahabol-habol niya nasa kainitan ng araw. Katutubo pa naman 'yung pump attendant. Hindi po laruan 'yung tao," he said.
The undersecretary added, "Nakilala ko po ['yung vlogger] kaagad. Dating politiko eh, abusado. Hindi puwede 'yung ginawa nila."
According to Lacanilao, the former mayor likes to post videos of his lifestyle, including videos of his yacht and helicopter.
"Pinakikita niya sa mga kababayan natin na may pera siya tapos 'yung mga tao, ginaganyan niya," Lacanilao said.
"Hindi po kami titigil diyan. Siguro naman ito 'yung panahon na dapat tumigil na 'yung mga abusadong ganyan," he added.
With the LTO now in possession of the vlogger's driver's license, Lacanilao said the content creator is facing two possibilities: "Matanggalan siya ng lisensya habambuhay atsaka 'yung sasakyan niya na maalarma at hindi na niya magamit."
