The Land Transportation Office (LTO-6) is investigating a transport leader who allegedly dismissed an official fine waiver as “trash of paper,” calling into question the implementation of government policies.
Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said the agency welcomes feedback but will not tolerate statements that mislead the public or undermine LTO personnel.
He ordered Intelligence and Investigation Unit Chief Shiela Mae C. Alulod to summon Mark Climaco, president of the Aklan Integrated Transport Cooperative, to explain his remarks.
The controversy arose after Climaco allegedly texted LTO Chief Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, claiming that the July 25, 2025 memorandum circular waiving penalties for certain registration and licensing transactions after recent typhoons was ineffective because “no district office implemented such.”
Geduspan emphasized that the office will verify whether district offices failed to implement the waiver and determine whether the allegation is misleading or warrants administrative action.
Investigators noted that the waiver applied only from July 21–25, while the vehicle at the center of Climaco’s complaint (plate FWC-527) had its renewal due in the first week of July — before the waiver period even started.
The renewal was processed on August 1, and the standard late-registration penalty was applied accordingly.
Climaco also initially failed to specify the transaction he was contesting, later returning to request a copy of the memorandum, which he had already received on August 1.
The transport leader has been ordered to submit a written explanation within five calendar days, with failure to respond considered a waiver of the right to be heard and the case potentially decided ex parte.
Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu stressed that the inquiry is part of LTO’s effort, under DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, to remain open to public feedback while acting decisively against misleading claims that can damage the agency’s reputation.
The IIU continues to review all relevant documents as the investigation unfolds, signaling a strict stance against any attempt to publicly discredit government directives.IMT
