LTO-NIR sacks worker over fixing complaints

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region, or LTO-NIR, has dismissed a job order worker following a series of complaints over alleged illegal “fixing” of official transactions.

LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said in a radio interview that complainants had exposed the worker for allegedly handling transactions outside the agency’s official process.

Conlu said the agency’s investigation team was able to speak with one of the complainants and gather information that established grounds for termination.

“We immediately dismissed him based on the facts gathered in the investigation,” he said.

Conlu said the agency will not tolerate corrupt practices and remains committed to eliminating corruption within its ranks.

He said personnel found involved in unlawful activities would face appropriate sanctions.

The action is in line with the agency’s “zero corruption” policy under LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao.

The LTO reminded the public to transact only with authorized personnel or directly with official LTO offices to ensure safe, legal and legitimate transactions.

Meanwhile, the LTO-NIR said it will issue a show cause order against a driver’s license holder following the discovery of serious violations based on verified reports and official investigations.

According to agency records, the individual allegedly misrepresented nationality in the Land Transportation Management System to unlawfully obtain a driver’s license.

The agency said its investigation confirmed that the individual is a foreign national who had falsely declared otherwise.

LTO-NIR added that the case is also linked to a court-issued permanent protection order over verified threats of violence and a deportation case for undesirability, with the individual reportedly included on the Bureau of Immigration watch list.

The agency said the individual was ordered to explain within five days why the license should not be revoked, why the person should not be permanently disqualified from securing a driver’s license and why administrative sanctions should not be imposed.

Conlu said the move is part of the agency’s effort to uphold accountability and protect the integrity of the licensing system.

The LTO-NIR also formally served on Monday a resolution recommending the revocation of a driver’s license in connection with a road rage incident in Murcia, Negros Occidental, last month.

The resolution stemmed from a viral altercation in which a 30-year-old motorcycle rider was seen repeatedly punching a 67-year-old former town councilor along the national highway in Barangay Salvacion on March 8, causing injuries to the older man.

The agency said the action forms part of its crackdown on reckless and violent motorists.

It also reiterated its call for motorists to remain disciplined, exercise restraint and uphold safety and respect on public roads.