LTO orders removal of LGBTQ+ priority lane in Cagayan Valley

‘MISLEADING IMPLICATION’ A booth at the LTO’s San Isidro District Office, in Isabela province, with a sign indicating that it is reserved for “priority lane” clients, including the “LGBTQ.” LTO officials have since apologized for the initiative. —contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Sunday ordered the removal of the priority lane designated for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Cagayan Valley, clarifying that it was an isolated case.

To recall, the special lane drew flak as it gave the wrong impression that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community impairs an individual’s physical capacity, further drawing unnecessary animosity towards them.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade in a statement, however, said that the priority lane was an isolated case, and that he has already ordered its removal to avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

“I understand that the region’s leadership merely conceptualized the activity in a desire to recognize the LGBTQ+ community. There was no intention to offend or unnecessarily put them in the spotlight,” Tugade said.

LTO Region 2 (Cagayan Valley Office) previously explained that the lane was part of the LTO’s “gender and development” (GAD) project for the month of March, clarifying that it intended no malice in its creation.

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JPV