Secretary Roxas names new No. 2 at LTO
Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II has appointed a new second in command at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), injecting “fresh blood” into the agency led by President Aquino’s controversial “shooting buddy,” Virginia Torres.
In a statement on Monday, Roxas said he had named lawyer Alfonso Tan as the LTO’s new executive director, replacing Redentor Reyes.
“Tan was selected by a DOTC search committee tasked to look for fresh talents that will be part of the new DOTC team to steer much-needed reforms in the biggest department in the executive branch of government. Tan brings to LTO more than a decade of legal experience,” Roxas said.
He said Tan, a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University and a partner at Gaston & Tan Law offices, will help Torres in managing the “legal aspects” of the LTO’s day to day operations.
In particular, Roxas said, Tan’s main duty for now would be to review and implement existing transportation laws, rules and regulations.
Since assuming office in July, Roxas has been naming professionals from the private sector to key posts at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC).
“It is a privilege to be part of one of the key government departments that plays a significant role in improving our quality of life,” Tan said.
“I would like to extend my legal background in assisting the LTO and the current executive team in achieving its vision of delivering the best transport service in the country,” he added.
In a separate statement, Torres said she welcomed the addition of young lawyers to the LTO management.
“We need a legal expert who can help us achieve our goals of providing the public with well-developed transportation systems duly bound by a solid legal framework,” she said.
Torres has become one of the more controversial figures in government since she was appointed to head the LTO by President Aquino last year.
She has clashed with the LTO’s information technology contractor, Stradcom Corp., as well as former Transportation Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus, who resigned in June citing personal reasons.
