One DOTr, one voice

This pertains to a column written by Mr. Cito Beltran titled, “Liberate LTO from DOTr,” which was published Oct. 22 on both your print and online platforms.

This office respects Mr. Beltran’s view that turning the Land Transportation Office (LTO), currently an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), into an independent entity would strengthen the agency. Unfortunately, that matter is not for us to decide.

We would also like to thank Mr. Beltran for acknowledging that things at the LTO have somewhat improved during the term of Secretary Arthur Tugade, who as he said, is “known to be a supporter of the projects and efforts of the LTO.” I also thank him for his kind words about me and my office.

However, I feel the need to correct inaccurate claims that Mr. Beltran made in his column.

On not having courtesy and not consulting with the LTO: Mr. Beltran cited two incidents when this allegedly happened. First, during the roll-out of five-year license card, and second, when a statement on vehicle modification was issued.

We don’t know who Mr. Beltran’s source is, but what matters is that his supposed source gave him incorrect information.

One of the promises of this administration is to extend the validity of driver’s licenses from three years to five years. The initial roll-out of the five-year license card was held at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on 29 August 2017. I can tell you now that there was never an agreement that the media would not be invited to cover such a milestone.

During the event, I requested Secretary Tugade to apply for a license card to demonstrate the process and the security features of the new card to the public. It was made very clear to the media that it was a ceremonial gesture.

A press statement was also issued by the DOTr, upon my approval, reiterating that the exercise was just a pilot test of sorts. Secretary Tugade himself divulged that he intentionally stated information errors to test the system.

After the demonstration, Sec. Tugade immediately directed me to destroy his license card and remove his name from the LTO system; these instructions were carried out.

The second incident that Mr. Beltran pointed out was when the DOTr and the LTO recently issued a statement to the press clarifying alleged arbitrary and subjective apprehension of owners of modified vehicles. Let it be known that “No  Statement  Has  Ever Been Released about LTO without its approval.” That is our protocol. In fact, on this specific instance, the gist of the statement came from us in LTO, was structured by DOTr, then reviewed and approved by me, after consultation with LTO Executive Director Romeo Vera Cruz and Law Enforcement Service Director Francis Almora.

One DOTr, One Voice – this has always been the instruction of Secretary Tugade. I, along with other heads of agencies, can attest that the DOTr, particularly its communications arm, has been nothing but supportive to our projects and programs.

The LTO does not really have a media or communications office, and from the start, we have been coordinating and consulting with the DOTr Communications Office on matters concerning media-related activities.

On bullying and meddling: Mr. Beltran may be under the mistaken impression that the DOTr has been bullying the LTO and meddling with its affairs.

As an Office under the Department of Transportation, it is but natural that we, at the LTO, seek direction and guidance from Secretary Tugade, not merely because of protocol, but because we respect his opinion as a leader.

As a seasoned manager, he knows how to recognize the capabilities of the people under his leadership. With trust and confidence, he lets us, the agency heads, manage our respective organizations. Based on experience, Secretary Tugade has never, and will never sell us short.

Thus, Mr. Beltran can rest assured that the LTO is being managed without what he says is the “interference or meddling from the minions at the DOTr.” We, however, thank him for the concern for LTO’s welfare and for supporting the agency through the years.

Last, I am grateful for the support and guidance from the DOTr, Secretary Tugade, and President Duterte, as we work towards better days at the LTO. – EDGAR C. GALVANTE, Assistant Secretary