ILOILO City – The assistant to the regional director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas was relieved from his post following his refusal to acknowledge an alleged traffic violation.
No less than Mayor Jerry Treñas brought to the attention of Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary Arthur Tugade LTO Region 6’s Director 1 Arturo Apolinar whom traffic auxiliaries claimed beat the red light on El 98 Street in Jaro district on Monday.
LTO chief assistant secretary Edgar Galvante immediately ordered the relief of Apolinar through Office Order No 2021-294 dated Oct. 26.
“In the best interest of the service, Arturo R. Apolinar, Director 1, LTO Region VI, Iloilo City, is hereby relieved of his present duties and responsibilities and ordered to clear himself to present accountabilities, effective immediately,” the order read.
LTO-6 assistant director Gaudioso Geduspan confirmed to Panay News they received the order yesterday.
Treñas thanked Tugade and Galvante for the prompt action.
According to two traffic enforcers, when they flagged down Apolinar they were reprimanded and told to follow the official to his LTO-6 office.
Treñas earlier called on LTO-6 director Eric Tabaldo to impose the necessary disciplinary action on Apolinar.
He added that the city government will file appropriate charges against Apolinar “to protect the integrity” of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
Treñas also has a message to people working for the government, most especially officials.
“I denounce government officials who do not follow traffic signs. Most especially if they work with the LTO which is called upon to execute national laws on traffic… He feels he is beyond the law. We cannot allow an assistant (to the) regional director to act beyond the rule of law in Iloilo City,” said Treñas.
“The LTO and DOTr must discipline the ARD who refuses to follow traffic rules, and reassign him to a place that is fitting for him. Abusador,” Treñas added.
“Daw indi na ini husto ang gina-obra ‘ya nga abusaran ang aton syudad,” the mayor said. “Dapat ni siguro sa iya butang ‘to sa Marawi kay para pagusto ‘to sia kon ano obrahon ‘ya.”
He also expressed his support to the PSTMO personnel.
“Obraha niyo lang ang inyo obra kay kon husto ang inyo obra, ara ‘ko sa likod niyo,” he said./PN
