LTO orders nationwide reshuffle of district officers

By Gerome Dalipe

The Land Transportation Office is set to implement a nationwide reshuffle of district officers due to widespread underperformance.

The move, directed by LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, follows an internal review that found a significant slowdown in key services.

The decision was prompted by a direct instruction from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to ensure efficient government services.

According to LTO monthly reports, there has been a noticeable drop in license plate distribution, apprehension of violators, action against colorum vehicles, and outreach programs.

Mendoza noted that the issuance of new license plates has slowed and that there has been a significant decrease in vehicles apprehended for expired registrations and other violations.

He added that apprehensions of unauthorized public utility vehicles have dropped, a major concern for legitimate transport groups who report losing up to 30 percent of their daily income to these illegal operators.

The LTO chief also pointed out that licensing and registration activities in communities have nearly come to a complete halt.

Mendoza said that while many offices are performing well, some district officers have become “complacent” in their roles, especially those who have held the same post for a long time.

He said this underperformance runs counter to the President’s commitment to good governance under the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.

To address the issue, Mendoza ordered all LTO regional directors to submit recommendations for reassigning district officers by 5 p.m. yesterday.

The goal of the reshuffle is to “wake up our frontline offices” and speed the rollout of key programs, such as faster distribution of license plates and the release of OR/CR within three days of a new vehicle’s release, Mendoza said.

He previously pushed for same-day releases for new motor vehicles, underscoring the urgency of these reforms.

Once the recommendations are reviewed, the LTO will immediately implement the changes.