Tugade’s son assumes post as new LTO chief
ASSISTANT Secretary Jose Art “Jay Art” Tugade formally took over as the new Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief on Wednesday.
In a simple turnover ceremony held at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City, Tugade vowed to lead the LTO to greater heights by maximizing the use of the latest technology to serve the motoring public in the most effective and efficient manner.
Tugade said he will end corruption in the agency, particularly in the processing of documents such as motor vehicle registration and driver’s license applications, among others, through modern technology.
Tugade said he will also get rid of corrupt personnel who continuously erode the public’s confidence in the LTO and continue the agency’s path toward complete digitalization.
“Through the power of digitalization, we believe that the days of corruption in this agency are numbered. I shall continue to tread the path for a fully digitalized, transparent, and corruptfree LTO of the future,” he said.
Moreover, part of the priorities of the new LTO chief is to pursue and intensify the LTO’s campaign on road safety.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr), he said, has set in place a Philippine Road Safety Plan that calls for zero deaths in road accidents.
“We need roads that are safe not only for motorists but also for pedestrians and the general public, especially our children,” said Tugade.
He also vowed to fight for the rights of LTO employees and gave his assurance that he will request that job order and contract of service employees in the agency be given plantilla positions.
Tugade is the youngest son of former Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade, who served in the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Former LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz 3rd, meanwhile, will be serving as DoTr Road Sector assistant secretary, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. The LTO is an attached agency of the DoTr.
“My life started with LTO, and as I leave LTO, part of my life ends with LTO,” Guadiz said.
He expressed hope that Tugade will continue his dreams and vision for the agency during his stint.
Guadiz made specific mention of ridding the agency of corruption, putting up of LTO’s own IT system run solely by LTO IT experts for better transparency and more efficient vehicle and driver’s license registration, where customers can register their vehicles and apply for driver’s license online and make the LTO truly a world-class agency, and making LTO employees financially capable and independent through proper compensation.
“I pass on the dream of an LTO that takes care of its employees, an IT system that is responsive to the needs of the public and someday, we can say to everyone that I am an LTO employee free from corruption. Mr. Assistant Secretary, I pass on that dream to you,” he said.