LTO exec asked to explain why agency vehicle was escorted

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has been asked to explain why a vehicle registered to the agency was being escorted by another vehicle while moving along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

In a letter from LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, LTO Regional Office III Regional Director and retired P/Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo was asked to explain why a Toyota Innova Zenix with a ‘red’ government plate was caught on video with a Toyota Hilux, a patrol vehicle by the LTO.

While the Innova was bearing a red plate, it was not marked by LTO stickers.  The Hilux, on the other hand, was seen with LTO stickers and sirens that are equipped to patrol vehicles.

READ: LTO, PNP-HPG seize 6 colorum vehicles along Edsa-Taft Ave.

“This has reference to the incident captured in a video showing one (1) Toyota Zenix bearing plate number […] registered under this Office and assigned of the LTO Regional Office No. Ill, was being escorted by an LTO patrol vehicle bearing plate number […] with body marking “2009” on a public highway,” Lacanilao said in his letter.

“In view thereof, you as the Regional Director and assigned user of the above-mentioned motor vehicles, are directed to personally appear before the undersigned within five (5) days upon receipt hereof and to submit a verified comment/explanation why should not be held administratively liable for Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the service,” he added.

Lacanilao said that failure to submit the written explanation will be “construed as a waiver of your right to submit the same and the preliminary investigation

may be completed in the absence thereof.”

The new LTO head has vowed to pursue efforts towards fixing old practices in the agency.

READ: New LTO chief takes oath; vows to combat corruption in agency 

Last October 13, Lacanilao asked the registered owner of a luxury car involved in a viral road rage incident to surrender the vehicle and its driver to the LTO main office.

The LTO said the vehicle’s passenger was Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso, while Lacanilao named Stanwich Philippines as its registered owner.

READ: LTO demands surrender of luxury car, driver of DOTr exec in viral video 

Eventually, the LTO decided to revoke the license of Alfonso’s driver.  According to the Department of Transportation, the driver surrendered his license and the vehicle’s blinkers, but not the “10” protocol license plate used during the incident.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that Alfonso filed for an indefinite leave of absence while the investigation is underway.

Just this October 30, Lacanilao said the LTO has ordered the suspension of a regional director in Mimaropa amid an ongoing investigation due to allegations of corruption.

“I recalled to the LTO Central Office the RD (regional director) of LTO-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) while the issue is being investigated due to alleged anomalies,” LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said in a statement. /mr