LTO enforcers in hot water for alleged extortion

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Jose Arturo Tugade is clamping down hard on reported corruption at his agency.

The LTO announced in a November 29, 2022 press statement that four members of the agency’s Field Enforcement Division have been summoned to the LTO head office in Quezon City for allegedly extorting a motorist last weekend.

The enforcers were captured on video, which later went viral on social media, for supposedly trying to collect ₱8,000 from a motorist that they flagged down at an LTO checkpoint near the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Tugade has also ordered their relief from duty amid an ongoing investigation, adding that the enforcers may face jail time if proven guilty. The LTO has not yet released their names.

“I have repeatedly said that I will not condone corruption at LTO both at the LTO offices and on the field,” he said.

“The campaign against corruption is one of the earliest initiatives I undertook upon assumption into office,” Tugade added. “There will be zero tolerance on corruption!”

Tugade assumed office on November 2022, vowing to use technology to stamp out corruption in the issue-ridden LTO.

The LTO chief said his agency would continue to weed out LTO personnel engaged in fixing and other illegal activities. 

“These enforcers would have probably gotten scot-free had it not been for the vigilance of our netizens, so we would like to thank them,” he said.

“I hope that those who may want to get involved or are already involved in illegal activities better think about it first because now, not only the LTO but also the netizens, are watching them,” Tugade added. 

It looks like the LTO’s new sheriff really means business. Let’s hope he can keep it up!