This Bini’s content may be ‘Pantropiko’ —but not ‘pantrapiko’
A member of the pop girl group Bini became the latest content creator to be penalized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for distracted driving.
Mikha Lim, whose group is behind hits such as “Pantropiko,” was issued a show cause order (SCO) on Wednesday after she was seen in a now-viral video recording herself while driving.
The video showed her holding a phone, which later fell off her hand. But instead of pulling over for safety, she continued driving and was seen reaching down to retrieve the device.
A memorandum issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in July warned content creators of the risks of taking videos while driving.
Lim’s video, which was reportedly uploaded on Weverse, prompted calls for an investigation by the LTO.
The agency later issued her an SCO for possible violation of Republic Act No. 10913, or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act; for reckless driving; and for being “an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”
‘Very apologetic’
RA 10913 prohibits motorists from using mobile communication devices while driving, including for calls, text messages and other distracting activities.
The LTO gave Lim until Nov. 20 to submit an explanation, but she already appeared at the agency’s Quezon City office on Wednesday.
She “was very apologetic and acknowledged her mistake,” according to Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.
Later on Wednesday night, Lim issued a statement saying ‘’I take full responsibility for what happened,’’ and vowed to be mindful of the rules after learning a “big lesson.”
“Road safety rules exist to protect everyone, something we need to take seriously,” she said.
Lim’s license to drive was suspended for 90 days, the LTO said, as it reiterated its warning against cell phone use while behind the wheel.
LTFRB memo
“It is our duty to ensure that the law is enforced fairly and without bias, regardless of a person’s status or popularity,” Lacanilao said. “Whether famous or not, everyone is expected to abide by traffic laws. If found to have violated them, the LTO will impose the appropriate penalties.”
In July, the LTO also suspended the license of some drivers and vehicle owners involved in a social media content showing an intentional car collision.
“Others may find this amusing, but for the LTO, no content is funny if it endangers lives and the safety of motorists,” Lacanilao then said.
The violations were committed even after the LTFRB’s issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 2026-050 reiterating the enforcement of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.
The LTFRB said it had to issue the memo after noting an increase in the number of vloggers—including drivers of public utility vehicles—engaging in the risky activity just to go viral.
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