New LTO chief aims to combat corruption through technology

MANILA: Newly appointed Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Jose Arturo Tugade has vowed to purge corruption in the agency through “complete digitalization” of its services.

Tugade said in a statement on Wednesday that the use of modern technology can stop corruption, especially in the processing of documents like vehicle registration and driver's license applications.

“I shall continue to tread the path laid down by [former LTO chief> Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III for a fully digitalized, transparent, and corrupt-free LTO of the future,” he stated.

The new LTO chief also wants to focus on ramping up the LTO's campaign for road safety under the “Philippine Road Safety Plan” implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“We need roads that are safe not only for motorists but also for pedestrians and the general public, especially our children,” Tugade said.

He also expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the appointment and urged LTO staff to “deliver greater customer experience” every day in their central, regional, and district offices across the country.

Guadiz, on the other hand, expressed optimism that Tugade will continue his initiatives, particularly in setting up LTO's own information technology (IT) system that is exclusively managed by their IT staff.

“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,” Guadiz stated.

Tugade was named the new LTO chief only a few weeks after being appointed as the acting general manager of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said in an interview that he and Tugade discussed ways to “better serve” the DOTr shortly after his pevious appointment and came to the conclusion that he was the most qualified to head the LTO.

Photo from Land Transportation Office

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