Basak chief probed over no helmet
MANDAUE City Barangay Captain Felipe Diano faces a 90-day preventive suspension after admitting to traffic violations he claims were committed during a family emergency.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 has issued a show cause order and a 90-day preventive suspension against Barangay Basak Captain Felipe Diano after a viral video showed him committing multiple traffic violations.
The order directs Diano to appear before the LTO 7 Operations Division on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, to explain his actions. Investigators cited Diano for failing to wear a prescribed motorcycle helmet, reckless driving and allegedly running a red light during an incident on Monday, Jan. 5, in Mandaue City.
Diano confirmed he received the summons and expressed his willingness to cooperate. While he admitted to the violations, he cited a family emergency as the reason for his haste.
“I was called by the LTO and I am ready to face them. I will answer all their questions — what happened, where I went and why I violated the traffic helmet law,” Diano said.
The barangay captain issued a public apology to Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and his constituents, explaining that he rushed out without a helmet after learning his house was at risk of catching fire due to an electrical spark.
“That was the only time I failed to wear a helmet. I was informed that there was a spark at our house... Our house is made of light materials, so I had to rush there immediately,” he said.
Despite the emergency, LTO 7 Director Glen Galario emphasized that public officials must lead by example. Pending a final resolution, Diano’s license and the motorcycle’s registration have been placed under alarm status, preventing any transactions.
Diano, who has been in public service since 1994, stated he has already paid a fine at the LTO and is not seeking special treatment.
“There are no exemptions. No matter who you are, including myself, if you violate the law, you will be penalized,” Diano added.
LTO 7 warned that failure to appear at the Friday hearing would result in the case being decided based on available records, potentially leading to further administrative penalties.
The barangay captain has been ordered to submit a written explanation and appear at the LTO 7 Operations Division office along N. Bacalso Ave. in Cebu City on Friday, Jan. 9. He was also directed to surrender his driver’s license and present the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration of the motorcycle involved during the hearing.
The show cause order forms part of LTO 7’s continued campaign to strictly enforce traffic laws and promote road safety. The agency reiterated that no one is above the law and emphasized that public officials are expected to lead by example by following traffic regulations.
The incident has reignited public discussion on road safety, traffic discipline and the responsibility of government officials to comply with the same laws imposed on ordinary motorists. / ABC