Stradcom files more raps vs LTO chief for takeover attempt

The information technology provider of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) filed fresh criminal charges on Thursday against agency chief Virginia Torres and seven others who allegedly conspired to take over its facilities in December.

Accused of graft and corrupt practices by IT firm Stradcom, aside from Torres, were LTO Head Executive Assistant Menelia Mortel and Assistant Solicitor Renan Ramos, and Superintendent Constante Agpaoa, chief of Quezon City Police Station 10.

Stradcom said they attempted to take over its facilities in the LTO compound in Quezon City on Dec. 2 and 9, 2010.

Also charged were individuals Bonifacio Sumbilla, Aderito Yujuico, Rodolfo Millare and lawyer Jer Samson for allegedly conspiring with the accused government officials.

In its complaint, Stradcom president Cezar Quiambao and corporate secretary and vice president for legal affairs Eric Gene Pilapil said the accused conspired to forcibly enter Stradcom’s LTO facilities, disrupting its operations.

“The approval and participation of respondents Torres, Mortel, Ramos and Agpaoa were crucial in enabling the Sumbilla group and armed Unilateral security guards to illegally gain entry into the Stradcom compound and building; illegally occupy and attempt to operate the Stradcom IT facilities; forcibly evict or illegally detain Stradcom employees; and disrupt the vital operations of Stradcom and the LTO,” read the complaint filed Friday.