LTO-7 files more criminal cases vs motorcycle dealer

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Central Visayas has filed more criminal cases against the officers and employees of a motorcycle dealer based in Mandaue City, Cebu for alleged submission of falsified documents.

LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Emmanuel Caindec said his office filed nine counts of falsification of commercial documents against officials and employees of Des Strong Motors Inc. before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office on January 7, 2021.

Among the respondents are Julio Arabejo Jr., Rovelyn Ranises, Emelita Binarao, Renie Tumon, Joann Lanzaderas, Dr. Silvestre Lumapas, Marilou Lumapas and several John Does.

On December 29, 2020, LTO-7 also filed three counts of falsification against the respondents before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly exploiting the LTO system through fraudulent reporting.

Moreover, Caindec said LTO-7 is also set to file the same charges against another Cebu-based motor dealer.

Caindec said the legal team has already prepared the pieces of evidence for the filing of charges.

These criminal cases are on top of the administrative actions that were submitted to the LTO Central office as resolution-recommendations, which became the basis for the series of legal authorities given by LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante to Caindec.

There is also a parallel investigation being conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue relative to the resolution-recommendations issued by LTO 7, particularly on possible tax evasion issues but the agency is not disclosing any details. — KQD (FREEMAN)