LAND Transportation Office (LTO) in Baguio City has issued an executive circular directing all its employees and deputized agencies to smile when serving customers.
LTO Assistant Secretary Arturo Lomibao said the directive resulted from a car dealer’s request saying LTO employees should smile during transactions.
Lomibao jokingly said employees who will not smile can be held liable on basis of the citizen’s charter.
“Frowning is prohibited in the LTO,” Lomibao said.
On the other hand, Lomibao said road safety as the mandate of the LTO does not solely rely on the agency.
He said everybody is responsible for road safety.
“Lahat Tayo Obligado, that is road safety,” Lomibao said.
He said the number of road accidents is steadily increasing by five percent the last five years.
He said 18,000 road accidents happened in 2008, while 20,000 accidents happened in 2009.
“Road safety should begin with ourselves, with internal change,” Lomibao said.
Also, Lomibao said the public should not expect too much from the LTO as it is overly undermanned.
“Do not expect too many accomplishments from an agency with very little manpower and equipment,” Lomibao said.
He said there is a need to increase the number of LTO personnel. (Visha Calventas)