Through visionary strategies, Atty. Mendoza II is dismantling the barriers that once hindered the smooth flow of transportation processes, creating a landscape where convenience, safety and accessibility reign supreme.
In bustling Metro Manila, where traffic congestion and transportation challenges have long plagued its residents, one remarkable lawyer holds public office, leading the charge to revolutionize land transportation.
Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, a visionary Land Transportation Office chief, has been at the forefront of transforming the country's transportation landscape with his innovative strategies and relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions.
Growing up in a city with seemingly inadequate transport options and inefficient land transportation processes back in the 60s, he experienced firsthand the struggles faced by drivers and commuters.
Following his admission to the Bar in 1988, he was determined to effect positive change as I-United Transport Koalisyon Partylist representative in the 14th Congress, Commissioner of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Kilusan sa Pagbabago sa Industriya ng Transportasyon, among others. He emerged as a prominent figure and influencer in this domain, establishing himself as a thought leader with profound insights and innovative ideas.
His journey as the three-month-old LTO chief unveils a tapestry of challenges in the realm of land transportation. Through his leadership, he is weaving a new narrative to transform how an entire nation of over 110 million individuals journeys forward.
There is no buckling down on the inherited problems at the LTO. He confronts them gracefully head-on — the 2.4 million drivers' licenses backlog, 13 million motorcycle license plates, and 80,000 motor vehicle plates.
"The backlog is being addressed. It's the motorcycle that is a little bit challenging. This is an accumulation of so many years of deficiency. Now the present administration is confronted with the 13 million backlog," he said. "A production and distribution timeline had been set to finish the 13 million."
On the table, though, are plans to review LTO's own production of license plates, and if outsourcing it will be faster and cost-effective for the government.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court's recent preliminary injunction to the government's procurement of plastic license cards, he said, is another setback.
"If this injunction becomes effective, then the target timeline for the delivery of 2.4 license cards will be halted. The problem will persist," Mendoza said.
Undaunted, he vowed to accelerate the production of license cards. "If need be, we will have to bid out again a new set of licenses for our 2024 supply."
Admittedly, compounding the backlogs on plates and license cards is the Land Transport Management System or LTMS — an online portal contracted with German company Dermalog that is supposed to provide all services related to land transportation. The LTMS design was flagged by the Commission on Audit and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
"We cannot solve the functionalities of land transport management if the online portal design is incomplete despite full payment of P3.14 billion," Mendoza II said, adding that the system was not tested nor consulted with end users when turned over to the LTO.
Multiple problems have surfaced, and for the last three months, he said the LTO has been addressing them with the dealers, manufacturers, importers of vehicles, district offices, and even end users.
"We are now in our last mile."
As a hands-on leader, Mendoza II always moves with urgency because public service never waits.
"I consult everybody and conduct breakfast meets to get ideas from everyone. I have always the best interest of my people in mind while being firm," he said.
In the face of inherited obstacles, Atty. Mendoza's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication are becoming a catalyst for change. With each step he takes, he is reshaping the very fabric of the transportation system, infusing it with innovation and efficiency.
Professionalism, integrity,
results-oriented, self-driven, and time consciousness are his core values that guide his decision-making as the head of the transportation office.
He shared the turnover and full use of the Road Safety Building — an interactive infrastructure that has been sitting for the last three years with no one using it.
"The problems besetting this building have been hurdled by resolving the legal issues and focusing on getting the job done," he said.
His unwavering commitment to the cause inspires others to believe in the power of transformation.
"I give out-of-the-box suggestions. I encourage new ideas and testing the limits of the system. I allow my people to explore new ways of doing things as part of my belief that there is always room for improvement. I do not mind giving second chances. I listen to all sides and varying suggestions, then I decide."
Collaboration, stakeholder engagement
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, he has fostered strong partnerships with various stakeholders by active engagement with community groups, transportation providers, and government agencies to understand the needs and concerns of the people.
By involving all relevant parties in decision-making processes, he ensures that the land transportation system is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the population's diverse needs.
As a visionary leader, he understands that the movement of people is more than just a logistical puzzle — it is the heartbeat of a nation's progress. With this profound insight, he fearlessly embarks on a quest to revolutionize how people traverse their beloved homeland.
Through visionary strategies, Atty. Mendoza II is dismantling the barriers that once hindered the smooth flow of transportation processes, creating a landscape where convenience, safety and accessibility reign supreme.
"This is the new LTO, not our old LTO. We are focused on full digitalization as ordered by the President. You don't have to go to LTO, you can do everything online. We hope to fully implement it by next year and limit the
face-to-face interaction so that the doubt of corruption or fixing will be eradicated," he assured.
With each milestone, the new LTO is not merely reshaping land transport systems; it is reshaping lives.
It will serve as a potent reminder that a single individual, armed with determination and vision, can ignite a revolution that reverberates across an entire nation, forever altering how its people move, connect and thrive.
