LTO Suspends Driver After Patrol Vehicle Seen Parked at Mall
The license of an LTO patrol vehicle driver was suspended after the vehicle was photographed parked at a shopping mall in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Recently, the Facebook page Land Transportation Office – Philippines reported that the agency has suspended the license of the driver assigned to an LTO patrol vehicle after the vehicle was spotted parked at a shopping mall.
Following the viral post, the LTO immediately launched an investigation under the directive of Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief Markus V. Lacanilao. The agency then issued a Show Cause Order requiring the assigned driver to explain the circumstances surrounding the use of the patrol vehicle.
The driver was instructed to appear before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division on September 17. He was also ordered to submit a sworn statement detailing his use and operation of the vehicle.
Authorities are looking into possible violations, including whether the vehicle was used for personal activities or transactions and whether other offenses may have been committed.
While the investigation is ongoing, the LTO placed the driver’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension. The driver was also directed to surrender his license to the agency. In addition, the license has been placed under alarm status pending the outcome of the case.
According to Lacanilao, government vehicles are entrusted for public service and must always be used responsibly. He emphasized that any use of these vehicles outside official duties should be clearly connected to government work.
The LTO also reminded all government employees that public vehicles are intended solely for official functions and service to the public. The agency assured the public that complaints involving the misuse of government property will be thoroughly investigated and that anyone found responsible will face the appropriate sanctions.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the incident.
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