TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – Mayor Susan Yap issued a strong reminder to parents and guardians following an alarming incident where a minor was caught driving a tricycle without a license in Barangay Matatalaib.
In a social media post on Thursday, she reported seeing a minor below 18 years old driving without a license, urging adults to take greater responsibility in ensuring minors are not allowed to operate motor vehicles on public roads.
“May nakita po akong menor de edad, wala pang 18 anyos, na nagmamaneho ng tricycle sa Brgy. Matatalaib. Wala pa po siyang lisensya at hindi pa nasa tamang edad upang magmaneho sa ating mga kalsada,” she stated.
The mayor’s appeal came amid growing concerns over road safety following recent traffic accidents, and she emphasized that it is the duty of parents and elders to ensure minors are neither placed in danger nor become a danger to other road users.
“Dahil sa mga nagdaang road accidents sa ating lugar, mas lalo pong mahalaga na maging responsable tayo sa pagpapahawak ng anumang sasakyan sa ating mga anak. Bilang mga magulang at nakatatanda, tungkulin nating tiyakin na hindi sila nalalagay sa panganib at hindi rin sila nagiging panganib sa ibang gumagamit ng kalsada,” she emphasized.
Mayor Yap also reminded the public that existing laws must be strictly followed and appealed to parents to refrain from allowing minors to drive until they reach the legal age and secure a valid license.
This reminder follows the city’s recent free Theoretical Driving Course on July 21 and 22, where 569 participants joined and the mayor stressed that road safety is about reaching home safely, and that a license is a privilege that comes with responsibility, discipline, and respect for traffic laws.
She concluded that simple precaution and adherence to the law are significant steps in preventing accidents, and every safe return home is a victory for every family.
Local authorities have yet to confirm whether the minor and the parents involved will face penalties, but Mayor Yap’s statement serves as a clear warning to all residents to observe road safety regulations and uphold their duty as responsible members of the community.
