The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has removed around 40 personnel following complaints of alleged corruption, while the agency continues its enforcement campaign against unauthorized public transport operations.
LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan said most complaints involved personnel allegedly asking motorists for money during roadside enforcement activities.
The agency also received reports that some personnel assigned at the plate hub allegedly collected P2,000 to P2,500 from motorists for the release of license plates, despite these already being covered under vehicle registration fees.
Dinglasan said three to five of the removed personnel were allegedly involved in fixing activities, particularly within the agency’s operations division.
Most of those removed were job order personnel, whose contracts may be terminated once management determines that trust and confidence in their performance have been compromised.
Plantilla employees facing complaints, meanwhile, will still undergo disciplinary proceedings in accordance with due process.
Dinglasan said the agency will continue strengthening internal measures to address alleged irregularities within LTO 7.
Meanwhile, LTO 7 continued its campaign against colorum operations after apprehending five alleged unauthorized public transport vehicles during an enforcement operation in Metro Cebu on Friday, July 10.
The apprehended vehicles included one passenger van, three sport utility vehicles, and one commercial bus.
During the inspection, LTO 7 personnel found that the commercial bus had a chassis number that did not match the information reflected in its Certificate of Registration, prompting further investigation.
Dinglasan warned operators against violating franchise conditions, including carrying passengers beyond authorized capacity and operating outside approved routes.
He said such violations may constitute franchise violations or colorum operations depending on the circumstances.
“Let this serve as a final warning to all colorum operators and those abusing their franchises. The temporary profits gained from illegal operations are never worth the penalties and legal consequences,” Dinglasan said.
Dinglasan also announced that a new Regional Law Enforcement Service chief, who is a lawyer, will soon take over the post and lead efforts to strengthen the agency’s anti-corruption initiatives.
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