LTO unearths illegal vehicle ownership transfers

Land Transportation Office (LTO) officials are investigating 40 of their district offices for allegedly facilitating the illegal transfer of ownership for vehicles confiscated in police operations.

This comes amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify campaigns against illegal activities, particularly those involving government workers.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said he would issue “notice to explain” orders to the heads of district offices, which stemmed from intelligence reports confirming the illegal ownership transfers, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) has labeled as “technical carnapping.”

Mendoza learned of the alleged scheme during ongoing coordination between the LTO and the PNP to enforce traffic laws and combat illegal activities involving motor vehicles.

The coordination meetings revealed that some LTO district offices were involved in the unauthorized processing of “Cancellation of Transfer of Ownership” and “Duplication of Certificates of Registration.”

According to Mendoza, the “modus” involved illegally transferring recovered vehicles to new owners. This was done by issuing new, duplicate certificates of registration along with proper documentation to create the appearance of a valid transfer.

“We already informed Transport Secretary Vince Dizon of this modus and his instruction is clear, to identify and ensure that airtight criminal and administrative charges will be filed against those involved in this illegal activity,” Mendoza said.

“We will not let this pass. We will not allow the LTO to be used in illegal activities such as this,” he added.

Administrative charges, which carry dismissal penalties, include misconduct under the Civil Service and LTO Memorandum Circular MC-91-137 dated 6 June 1991 and violations of the LTO Citizen Charter.

LTO data indicated that 15 of the illegal ownership transfers of seized vehicles occurred in the CARAGA Region. Eight were in Region 9, four each in Region 2 and Region 11, two each in Region 1, Region 3 and Region 10, and one each in Region 4A, Region 8 and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Mendoza said that the initial investigation has identified the 40 vehicles involved.

“We will be issuing show cause orders against the new registered owners of these motor vehicles,” Mendoza said.

“We also assure the Filipino people that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation. We have zero tolerance on illegal activities and we will make sure that all those involved are punished,” he added.