10/01/2026
I agree on some points. But let's face the truth, kahit sino at kahit kelan most people would go for the "padrino system" or even the "makisuyo system" just to get out of a jam and not go through the hassle of processing. James Deakin was clear enough that he is to clarify that if Reckless Driving would be tantamount to a criminal record. The 15 calendar days issue is quite questionable for LTO why would you even implement such rule when people can't even do anything about it. JD has a point where he questioned why LTO applies 15 working days on themselves while people have to comprehend 15 calendar days? Although some LGUs practice settlement via online or some offices are open during saturdays.
Tho the process of apprehension was quite questionable, since there was no OR/CR involved during that time and was only brought up when the LTO verified whether the car involved was registered. But this is also questionable in LTOs part, why? Simply because why would you bring up an issue, where this could have been identified at the time of apprehension. Meaning, the enforcer that time could probably not be following the SOP in apprehending.
In the end of the day, this showed that an influencer could really do something versus an average joe. If this were to happen to some juan, it probably won't do anything. LTO would probably just ignore it, or they will even do something to overturn the highlight which they tried doing in this "Daniel Deakin serye", but to no avail.
This incident made some of the motoring media turn against their own, opened some healed wounds, opened some eyes and even some changes in the system.
I do believe that we motorists would like to have a safe, trusted and a respect worthy system. Wherein the system would not press us into a difficult situation just because we question the system and we do not have the power or influence to push through it.