DoTr Cordillera vows probe of irregularities

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region (DoTr-CAR) is launching a deeper investigation into alleged corruption within its ranks, particularly at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya.

Regional Director and retired Police General Glen Dumlao has vowed to investigate personnel suspected of involvement in the fraudulent release of driver’s licenses to applicants who did not undergo the mandatory written or practical examinations.

The probe follows an incident on Friday last week when transportation enforcers, along with the Regional Highway Patrol Unit and Baguio City police, intercepted three private vehicles in Bokod, Benguet. The vehicles were transporting 24 individuals returning to Baguio City who had just obtained their driver’s licenses from the LTO Aritao office.

Dumlao stated that authorities are also targeting identified fixers operating in Baguio City. These fixers reportedly entice individuals seeking driver’s licenses by promoting the LTO Aritao office as an easier alternative to the LTO-Baguio City.

According to Dumlao, applicants are charged P9,000 each, an amount allegedly split between the fixers and corrupt LTO-Aritao personnel. He also revealed that approximately 100 applicants from Baguio City, La Union and Pangasinan have reportedly fallen victim to this scheme.

While acknowledging that DoTr-Cordillera does not have direct jurisdiction over LTO-Aritao, Dumlao affirmed that they would exert all efforts to halt these illicit activities.