Fixing the LTO
One of the more notorious agencies in government which really needs shaking up is none other than the Land Transportation Office or LTO.
Indeed, this attached agency of the Department of Transportation, which deals with motoring and the enforcement of road transport rules and regulations, is considered one of the top ten most corrupt government offices, and is one of those dreaded by citizens whenever they have to deal with it.
Why so? Because this is one agency known for its bureaucratic inefficiency and proliferation of fixers in all its district offices. It is where “grease money” overflows on a daily basis, which if summed up would amount to perhaps hundreds of millions per day across the country.
Just imagine about 10,000 motorists renewing their driver’s license daily and if they each fork over, say, P500 in grease money to facilitate renewal, that is a staggering P5 Million. And we are talking only of DL renewal. There is also the vehicle registration to speak of, as well as other transactions for land transportation requirements.
In fairness, the LTO has improved a lot over the last six years, thanks to the strong leadership of former DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. Under his guidance, the LTO was able to address the backlog in driver’s licenses and license plates, which had been ineptly managed and was so unpopular it was one of the issues of national interest that tilted the 2016 election.
There is also efficiency now in the licensing process itself as new technology is being utilized, making it faster to get your DL or vehicle registration, and it is less prone to corruption. Ten-year driver’s licenses are also now available, which minimizes the bureaucratic red tape maze that we have to go through.
But there is still a long way to go to really make this agency graft-free and more efficient. One challenge is the introduction and eventual standardization of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection System or PMVIS, which should replace the current road worthiness inspection system that includes the questionable emission testing process.
Just recently, a dozen or so emission centers were sanctioned and their operations suspended by the new LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. JayArt Tugade, for faking emission tests or engaging in the so-called “noshow” issuance of emission testing certificates.
Asec Tugade has his work cut out for him, and he really needs to impose an iron brand of leadership to get things done in this agency with a deeply embedded culture of corruption.
In a recent interview, he acknowledged the challenge and the seemingly insurmountable difficulty in managing the LTO, but said that he is most resolved, and most committed, to do whatever it takes to clean up the agency and make it shape up.
“I can relate as a citizen and as a motorist as I have also fallen to and experienced this corrupt system. So as an outsider looking in, it will really be very challenging to cleanse this agency, but we are determined to do it!”
Thankfully, he is a Tugade and we have already experienced the unrelenting work ethic of his father, which we are most confident the son and namesake will carry on, perhaps even surpass.
And if indeed the LTO shapes up for the better, it will redound to a better Philippines.
Now let’s get rid of all those fixers!
Mark my word.
In a recent interview, he acknowledged the challenge and the seemingly insurmountable difficulty in managing the LTO..
Just imagine about 10,000 motorists renewing their driver’s license daily and if they each fork over, say, P500 in grease money to facilitate renewal, that is a staggering P5 Million.