LTO sues motorcycle dealer for falsification of documents

CEBU, Philippines — The employees and officers of a motorcycle dealer in Mandaue City are facing a criminal complaint for three counts of falsification before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly exploiting the Land Transportation Office system through fraudulent reporting.

Land Transportation Office-7 Director Victor Emmanuel Caindec, who filed the criminal complaint yesterday, stated in his 10-page affidavit that the seven identified and several others conspired with one another in committing the crime.

The respondents are Julio Arabeho Jr., Rovelyn Ranieses, Emelita Binarao, Renie Tumon and Joann Lanzaderas. Also tagged as respondents are Dr. Silvestre Lumapas Jr., Marilou Lumapas, and several John Does. Their postal address is Des Strong Motors located along MC Briones St., Mandaue City.

Caindec said the filing of the complaint was based on the authority given by LTO Assistant Secretary Galvante to him and the result of months of investigation.

According to Caindec, there were “calculated efforts aimed at harassing and intimidating the LTO-Region VII to desist from the investigation.”

“The findings of the investigation have compelled the LTO-Region VII to press criminal charges for falsification against the corporate officers, branch and area managers, and involved employees,” Caindec said in a statement.

During the course of its investigation, LTO-7 discovered a “deliberate pattern of exploiting the LTO system through fraudulent reporting allegedly perpetrated by these dealers and their authorized representatives by means of submitting falsified receipts/sales invoices.”

“To our mind, these impose issues of national interest,” Caindec said.

Caindec added that the act of falsifying commercial documents intended to form part of public records are punishable under the Revised Penal Code and carries with it the penalty of imprisonment and the imposition of fines.

“We trust that the full arm of the law bring justice the Filipino people truly deserve,” Caindec said. — JMD (FREEMAN)