Dumaguete: Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has committed to eliminating fixers from the newly inaugurated Land Transportation Office (LTO) Dumaguete District Office in the Negros Oriental capital. Lacanilao, who also serves as the LTO chief, emphasized his determination to prevent illegal transactions at the new facility, which is located in Barangay Daro and represents a landmark public-private partnership.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inauguration of the new LTO office marks the first private-public partnership project of its kind in the area, designed to serve as a comprehensive service center for various LTO-related transactions. Lacanilao addressed reports of fixers at the previous LTO office, describing it as a longstanding issue. He issued a stern warning to those engaged in illegal activities, urging them to seek alternative livelihoods as they would no longer be tolerated at the new facility.
Lacanilao also addressed concerns about employees allegedly participating in illegal transactions, indicating that those found guilty would face reassignment. In a bid to improve public convenience, he announced that vehicle registration services, previously conducted in Cebu, would now be available at LTO Dumaguete. The DOTr official assured the public of enhanced and expedited processes, including driver's license renewals, aligning with the government's initiative to streamline business operations.
Edward Du, the president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), highlighted the chamber's role in facilitating the creation of the new LTO Dumaguete. He noted that the LTO would not incur rental costs and would benefit from a small percentage of income from service providers renting space in the facility. The 'one-stop shop' includes various service providers such as a driving school, an insurance agency, and a medical firm, with ample parking space available for driving lessons.
The facility will also house an office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board within its compound. Meanwhile, Lacanilao announced a three-month extension for renewing motor vehicle registrations starting in April. This extension is part of the government's efforts, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to support the public amidst rising fuel costs and other economic challenges resulting from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
