The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said that it is now conducting investigations in its 40 district offices which allegedly facilitated the ownership transfer of motor vehicles confiscated in police operations.
LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II said he will be issuing a "notice to explain" to the heads of district offices involved in the intelligence reports of the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as technical carnapping.
Mendoza said he learned of the issue amid the coordination of the LTO and the PNP.
The two agencies agreed to enforce traffic rules and run after individuals and groups engaged in illegal activities using motor vehicles.
During a recent coordination meeting, the LTO said it was established that some LTO district offices were involved in the unauthorized processing of Cancellation of Transfer of Ownership and Duplication of Certificates of Registration.
According to Mendoza, the modus involved recovered vehicles being illegally transferred to new owners, with new Duplicate Certificates of Registration issued with proper documentation to simulate a valid transfer of ownership.
“We already informed DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon of this modus and his instruction is clear, to identify and ensure that airtight criminal and administrative charges will be filed against those involved in this illegal activity,” said Mendoza.
“We will not let this pass. We will not allow the LTO to be used in illegal activities such as this,” he added.
The agency said that administrative charges, which will come with dismissal penalties, are misconduct under the Civil Service and LTO Memorandum Circular No. MC-91-137 dated 6 June 1991, and for violation of the LTO Citizen Charter.
Based on the LTO data, 15 of the illegal transfer of ownership of motor vehicles seized in police operations occurred in CARAGA Region; eight in Region 9; four each in Region 2 and Region 11; two each in Region 1, Region 3 and Region 10; and one each in Region 4A, Region 8 and in Cordillera Administrative Region.
Mendoza said the initial investigation already identified the 40 vehicles involved.
“We will be issuing show cause orders against the new registered owners of these motor vehicles,” said Asec Mendoza.
“We also assure the Filipino people that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation. We have zero tolerance on illegal activities and we will make sure that all those involved are punished,” he added.