LTO suspends Yanna Motovlog's driver's license, imposes P7,000 fine following viral road rage incident
The Land Transportation Office found content creator Yanna Motovlog guilty of two offenses, suspending her driver's license and imposing a fine on her following her viral road rage incident with a pickup driver in Zambales.
In a statement, the LTO said Yanna Motovlog, born Alyannah Aguinaldo, is guilty of two out of three traffic violations: reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without side mirrors. She was fined P2,000 and P5,000 for the respective offenses.
"The video, along with her letter of apology over the incident and the affidavit submitted by the pick-up driver, became the solid pieces of evidence that led to the decision finding her guilty over the incident," the LTO said.
Aguinaldo was found not guilty of having a motor vehicle without attached number plates because she's not its registered owner.
The vehicle was placed on alarm until it's been turned over to the agency. The license plate of the motorcycle registered under Aguinaldo's name was also suspended and ordered confiscated.
"All law enforcement officers were also directed to apprehend Yanna Motovlog if in case she is found driving on public roads until such time that the suspension on her driver’s license is lifted," the LTO said.
The LTO also called out Aguinaldo for her refusal to appear in the investigation. During the May 6 hearing, Aguinaldo was absent and sent her lawyer Ace Jurado instead, citing security reasons. Jurado claimed there have been threats against his client's life, as her address was supposedly posted online.
“This noncompliance not only violates the instructions mandated by this Office but also demonstrates outright disrespect for established legal procedures and regulatory enforcement," it said. "The failure to appear as ordered underscores a lack of regard for due process, accountability, and the authority vested in this Office."
“By refusing to present both the registered owner and the motorcycle for inspection, the concerned party has obstructed investigative proceedings, delayed efforts to establish responsibility, and undermined the integrity of enforcement measures,” it added.
Ultimately, the LTO pointed out that as a social media personality, Aguinaldo has the responsibility to lead by example to her followers.
“As a motovlogger and content creator, (she) holds a heightened responsibility to set a positive example for her audience," the LTO said, citing an excerpt of its seven-page decision. "Instead, her reckless overtaking maneuver—executed on the right side of a Nissan Navarra without signals, on a hazardous road with poor visibility—directly contradicts the safe riding principles she should be promoting. Given her influence within the motorcycle community, such behavior risks normalizing dangerous practices among her followers.”
“While she later expressed remorse and pledged cooperation, her initial refusal to delete the video demonstrates a disregard for the seriousness of her actions. By keeping the content accessible, she inadvertently reinforced a culture of reckless riding rather than emphasizing accountability,” it added.
In the viral video, Aguinaldo can be seen giving pickup driver Jimmy Pascua the middle finger after accusing him of reckless driving.
When Pascua alighted from his vehicle to confront Aguinaldo and explain the situation regarding the bumpy roads, she was allegedly aggressive toward him, even throwing derogatory remarks against him as he walked away.
