Former and current officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are facing graft charges. A coalition known as 'Coalition 169' has filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman.
The complaint, lodged on May 4, alleges that the officials engaged in unnecessary duplication of IT systems, which resulted in additional fees for motorists during transactions at the LTO.
The coalition claims that these 'computer fees'—amounting to P169 per transaction—have been imposed since 2013, generating an estimated P2 billion to P3 billion annually.
The complaint targets several high-profile individuals, including DOTr chief Giovanni Lopez and former secretaries Vince Dizon and Jaime Bautista, as well as LTO chief Markus V. Lacanilao.
Spokesperson Johny Gomez stated that the continued operation of Stradcom Corporation's IT system, which imposes the fees, should be closely examined. The coalition is also urging for the full optimization of the government-operated Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).
The petitioners are requesting the suspension of the current officials for six months and the reimbursement of all collected computer fees.
In response, the DOTr acknowledged the complaint and expressed confidence in addressing the issues in the appropriate legal forums.
Mendoza, the current chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, noted that matters concerning Stradcom are pending in the Supreme Court.
These alleged practices have imposed an unjust and continuing financial burden on millions of Filipinos transacting with LTO.
Johny Gomez, Coalition Spokesperson