Filipinos called the attention of authorities after a video of what appeared to be a minor driving a vehicle went viral.
The Facebook page “Parkeserye,” which features reader-submitted content, shared a video from another page showing a male minor driving a vehicle on a public road.
“Nag-da-drive naman tayo ng matic [automatic],” a caption of the video, posted on the Facebook page “Noah tzy, VLOG,” reads.
Based on the page’s information, the Facebook user is based in Lanao.
Meanwhile, “automatic” refers to the vehicle’s automatic transmission, which shifts gears on its own between the engine and the wheels, eliminating the need for the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal.
“Magandang Hapon po, Land Transportation Office – Philippines, Department of Transportation – Philippines… baka burahin eh,” the “Parkeserye” page said, tagging the pages of the government agencies.
The Land Transportation Office is the agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, while the Department of Transportation is its parent agency.
A look at the “Noah tzy, VLOG” page shows the minor driving as early as March, including operating a manual transmission vehicle.
“Ride safe, mga boss,” the caption of his post reads.
Individuals who are minors are not legally permitted to drive in the Philippines.
Non-professional driver’s license applicants must be at least 17 years old, while those obtaining a student permit must be at least 16.
Meanwhile, applicants for a professional driver’s license must be at least 18 years old.
Parents or guardians of minors may also be held liable if they allow their children to drive.
Legal experts said that Philippine law imposes layered accountability, civil, criminal, administrative, and economic, on parents who allow minors to drive.
The foundation of this liability stems from the Civil Code, reinforced by the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and strengthened by the Land Transportation Office’s strict penalties.
