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Three Land Transportation Office enforcers and their team leader were immediately relieved from duty after being confirmed to have extorted truck drivers during a checkpoint inspection on April 23 along C-3
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The Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations filed the complaint directly with LTO chief Markus Lacanilao
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Accusations confirmed during a meeting of all parties on April 27
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ACTOO earlier alleged that enforcers asked truckers to “settle” off the books; one trucker paid P2,000 instead of the official P5,000 per worn-out tire violation; others without franchise documents were also shaken down
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Some enforcers allegedly forced the deletion of photos/videos taken as evidence
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LTO clarified: worn tires are not a violation if the vehicle is still roadworthy or “fit to drive”
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LTO reiterates drivers’ rights to demand mission orders and document operations
Three Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcers and their team leader were immediately relieved from duty after being confirmed to have extorted truck drivers during a checkpoint inspection on April 23 along C-3 Road.
The suspensions came after the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO) brought the complaint directly to LTO chief assistant secretary Markus Lacanilao. A meeting of all concerned parties was held on April 27, during which truckers attested to being shaken down by personnel who identified themselves as LTO officers.
The extortion was confirmed during the meeting, and Lacanilao immediately ordered the four personnel relieved from duty and required them to surrender all law enforcement equipment and paraphernalia to the Operations Division within 24 hours.
Criminal charges are to follow, pending the filing of affidavits from affected drivers, according to a press release from the LTO.
ACTOO earlier said enforcers offered truckers an off-the-books settlement in lieu of official fines, with one driver paying P2,000 rather than the official P5,000 per worn-out tire violation. Drivers caught without franchise documents or provisional authority were similarly pressured to pay off the officers.
In a separate statement, ACTOO said Lacanilao also disclosed that some enforcers allegedly confiscated drivers’ mobile phones to delete photographs and videos of the encounters, a conduct he said could expose them to robbery charges.
The LTO chief also clarified that worn tires are not automatically a violation provided they are still roadworthy or “fit to drive,” and encouraged drivers to document any irregularities during roadside inspections.
“The LTO will not tolerate any abuse of authority. We remain committed to ensuring that our personnel carry out their duties with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” Lacanilao said in Filipino.
He assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted and that those found liable will face appropriate administrative and legal sanctions.
ACTOO welcomed the swift action, noting the challenges faced by truckers amid rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
READ: ACTOO seeks leeway after truck shakedown at checkpoints
Earlier, ACTOO vice president Rina Papa said the sector is seeking government support as it navigates the current crisis.
“We are asking for support and recognition that we too need the government in this crisis. Not to be treated as the problem but partners in seeing through these most difficult times,” Papa said, noting that truckers are already struggling with elevated fuel costs without having to contend with extortion at checkpoints.
