By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Two enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were suspended after they were seen refueling an impounded Mitsubishi Adventure MPV in photos that went viral on social media.
In a statement on Monday, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the two enforcers were inside an undisclosed impound lot of the LTO when the incident happened.
“Walang puwang sa LTO ang anumang uri ng iregularidad, pang-aabuso, o paggamit ng resources ng gobyerno para sa pansariling interes (There is no space at the LTO for any irregularities, abuse, or the use of government resources for personal reasons),” Lacanilao said.
The LTO has issued a show cause order to both enforcers asking them to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the LTO Central Office.
Both enforcers are part of the LTO Law Enforcement Service.
“Agad nating pinakikilos ang ating mga tanggapan upang tiyakin na ang lahat ng alegasyon ay maimbestigahan nang patas at naaayon sa batas (We ordered immediate action to ensure that all allegations are investigated fairly and in accordance with the law),” he said.
While the photos of the two enforcers did not immediately indicate what they were doing, he said siphoning gasoline or any actions that indicate the use of government resources for personal reasons could be considered a violation of Republic Act 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.”
In addition, both enforcers will be investigated for possible administrative violations under Civil Service rules.
He called on LTO personnel to have integrity, discipline, and responsibility and reiterated his ongoing crackdown against corruption in the agency.
He also called on the public to continue reporting any suspicious incidents, especially of government corruption, to the LTO. (PNA)
