LTO arrests 2 suspected fixers over disturbance at central office
MANILA — The Land Transportation Office arrested two people who allegedly caused a disturbance at its central office in Quezon City on Friday, October 16, after they were barred from proceeding with a license plate replacement transaction.
The two are also being investigated for possible involvement in fixing, the LTO said.
According to the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division, the two were processing the replacement of special license plates on behalf of a motorist.
The application had already been approved, and the replacement plates were ready for release at the LTO National Capital Regional Office.
However, when they presented and surrendered the original plates to be replaced, authorities discovered that the plates had already been used.
Investigators also found that the registered vehicle owner had not authorized the release of the replacement plates, prompting the agency to halt the transaction.
The two allegedly shouted and used inappropriate language against personnel of the Plate Unit and other LTO officials.
They later sought assistance from the office of LTO chief Markus Lacanilao, who met with them to address their concerns and attempt to resolve the issue. However, the individuals allegedly continued arguing.
“Nalaman namin na fixer pala tapos nanggulo pa doon sa LTO, sa mga empleyado dahil nga nagpapanggap silang may-ari,” Lacanilao said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
(We found that they were fixers who were causing trouble at the LTO because they were pretending to be the registered vehicle owner.)
Following the incident, personnel of the police Highway Patrol Group assigned to the LTO, together with the IID and Plate Unit personnel, arrested the two individuals.
“Pinakasuhan namin at nakakulong sila ngayon… Ang stand namin ever since, dapat hulihin yung mga yan,” Lacanilao said.
(We had them charged and they are detained now. Our stand ever since has been to go after fixers.)
They were brought to the HPG office at Camp Crame for investigation and the filing of charges for alarm and scandal under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code.
The LTO is also continuing its investigation into a possible violation of Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, in connection with the alleged fixing activities.
The agency reiterated that all transactions must comply with established rules and procedures, stressing that disruptive behavior in government offices will not be tolerated.
The LTO also vowed to intensify its efforts against fixing and other illegal activities to ensure orderly and transparent public service.