LTO defends ‘reckless driving’ tag in Deakin case

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January 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Office on Tuesday said the son of vlogger and road safety advocate James Deakin committed reckless driving after crossing a double solid line on Skyway Stage 3, a maneuver the LTO said violates universal traffic rules.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the finding was based on a probe conducted after the arrest of Deakin’s son on Dec. 18, 2025.

Lacanilao said the driver was charged with reckless driving, which he defined as driving that “shows a lack of proper caution and obedience to the rules of road safety.”

According to the LTO, closed-circuit television footage showed the vehicle abruptly cutting across lanes in front of an enforcer, disrupting traffic flow.

“That is why it is was reckless driving,” Lacanilao said. “Because suddenly you turned and entered. He is the one who caused the traffic.”

The LTO said the car driven by Deakin’s son lacks valid registration papers at the time of apprehension.

The case drew public attention after Deakin criticized the LTO on social media, questioning why the incident was classified as reckless driving rather than a simple lane violation.

Deakin said he initially advised his 19-year-old son to accept responsibility after missing an exit on the Skyway and crossing a double yellow line to reach the Quezon Avenue exit.