Roxas names lawyer as new LTO executive director

MANILA, Philippines—Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” 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 [Department of Transportation and Communications] 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.

Roxas 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 agency’s day-to-day operations.

In particular, Roxas said Tan’s main duty for now would be to effectively review and implement existing transportation laws, rules and regulations.

Since assuming office last July, the former senator and defeated running mate of Aquino in the 2010 elections has been naming professionals from the private sector to key DoTC posts to help implement reforms in the transportation system nationwide.

“It is a privilege to be part of a key government department that plays a significant role in improving our quality of life,” Tan said, commenting on his appointment.

“I would like to extend my legal background in assisting LTO and the current executive team in achieving its vision of delivering the best transport service in the country,” Tan added.

In a separate statement, Torres said she welcomed the addition of young lawyers into the LTO management.

“We need a legal expert who can help us achieve our goals of providing the public with well-developed transportation system duly bound by a solid legal framework,” Torres said.

Torres has been one of the most controversial figures in government since being appointed to her current post by the President last year.

In several instances, Aquino sided with Torres as she defied the orders of then DoTC Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus, particularly in handling the intra-corporate dispute involving LTO’s information technology contractor, Stradcom Corp.

De Jesus resigned last June citing personal reasons.

Earlier this month, Roxas announced the appointment of former Presidential Anti-Graft Commission head, lawyer James Jacob, as chairman of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board. He replaced Nelson Laluces.