Jay Art Tugade formally takes over leadership of LTO

New LTO chief Jose Art Tugade (in white). (Photo from LTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed head of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Jose Art “Jay Art” Tugade on Wednesday formally took over leadership of the agency following a turnover ceremony with former LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III.

Department of Transport (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Tugade as the new LTO chief.

Tugade is the youngest son of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade who served in the administration of  former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The new LTO chief vowed to end corruption within the agency through digitalization.

“Through the power of digitalization as envisioned by Assistant Secretary Guadiz, we believe that the days of corruption in this agency are numbered. I shall continue to tread the path laid down by Assistant Secretary Guadiz for a fully digitalized, transparent, and corrupt-free LTO of the future,” Tugade said.

Tugade also assured LTO personnel of their rights.

“I look forward to receiving your support and cooperation, at sama sama po tayong babangon dito sa LTO,” said Tugade to the agency’s personnel.

(I look forward to receiving your support and cooperation, and we will rise together here in LTO).

Meanwhile, Guadiz will be serving as DOTr Road Sector Assistant Secretary, according to Bautista. The LTO is an attached agency of the DOTr.

“My life started with LTO, and as I leave LTO, part of my life ends with LTO,” remarked Guadiz.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor was also present in the ceremony, praising Guadiz for his hard work in LTO.

“He dedicated a good portion of his life to the LTO, it is only fitting for us to give him a very nice sendoff, because he deserves nothing but that,” said Pastor.

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/MUF/abc