LTO-6 fires employee, suspends another over ‘fixing’

By Gerome Dalipe

The Land Transportation Office–Region VI (LTO-6) has terminated a job-order employee and placed a plantilla staffer under preventive suspension as part of its crackdown on “fixers” involved in illegal transactions.

Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said the actions reinforce the agency’s “zero corruption” policy and send a strong warning that any attempt to influence official transactions will not be tolerated.

The measures were taken after complaints and evidence were gathered by the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit.

In the more serious case, the suspended plantilla employee was charged with grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and violations of Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act.

The employee allegedly used a fake Facebook account to contact apprehended drivers and offered to fix their violations in exchange for reduced penalties and faster release of licenses and plates.

In one instance, the employee reportedly offered to lower a PHP 12,000 fine for an unregistered vehicle to PHP 7,000, a transaction caught on video by the rider’s companion, who later identified the suspect.

In a separate incident on Oct. 9 in Zarraga, Iloilo, a job-order worker was dismissed after being linked to a motorist suspected of violating traffic rules.

Investigators discovered the worker’s name and mobile number posted inside the vehicle, suggesting a direct connection and potential influence-peddling.

Director Geduspan, along with Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu, who also serves as officer-in-charge of the LTO–Negros Island Region, condemned the incidents as violations of public service ethics and possible breaches of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“These swift sanctions are meant to preclude any undue influence or obstruction,” Geduspan said, emphasizing that the agency will continue to root out fixers and preserve the integrity of its operations.

LTO-6 also urged the public to report any suspicious shortcut offers and to transact only at official LTO branches.