LTO dismisses 2 employees, guard over extortion

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered the dismissal of two employees and a security guard for allegedly extorting money from public utility jeepney drivers and operators.

The individuals reportedly demanded P1,000 each from drivers and operators to allow them to forgo required seminars and pass their examinations, which were necessary for the release of impounded vehicles.

LTO Chief Asst. Sec. Markus V. Lacanilao initiated the dismissal order after receiving complaints from the affected drivers and operators who personally visited his office on December 5.

Lacanilao also ordered the agency's Intelligence and Investigation Division to investigate the involved personnel and file appropriate criminal charges against them.

He expressed dismay at the brazenness of the act, stating that the fired personnel were part of his administration's anti-corruption efforts.