LTO -6 director orders probe against Aklanon transport leader

The Land Transportation Office Region VI (LTO-6) has opened an investigation after a local transport leader allegedly dismissed a regional memorandum waiving certain fines as a “mere trash of paper.”

Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said the agency welcomes constructive criticism but will not tolerate what he described as deliberate attempts to undermine the office or its personnel. He has instructed Intelligence and Investigation Unit (IIU) Chief Shiela Mae C. Alulod to summon Mark Climaco, reportedly president of the Aklan Integrated Transport Cooperative, to answer the allegation.

The probe stemmed from an incident report by Ms. Eva Mae M. Tabella, chief of the LTO Western Aklan District Office, who said Climaco allegedly sent a text message to LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II asserted that Memorandum Circular dated July 25, 2025 to waive penalties for certain registration and licensing transactions following recent typhoons — was ineffective because “no district office implemented such.”

Citing the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (Republic Act No. 11032), Director Geduspan said the agency will verify the accuracy of claims that district offices failed to implement the waiver. The IIU will determine whether the allegation is misleading and whether administrative or other accountability is warranted.

Intelligence and Investigation Unit investigators found the waiver covered July 21–25, 2025 only. The vehicle at the center of the complaint (plate FWC-527) had a renewal due in the first week of July, before the waiver period; LTO records show the renewal was processed on Aug. 1, 2025, and an official receipt was issued. Because the due date fell outside the waiver window, the standard late-registration penalty was applied.

Intelligence and Investigation Unit Investigators said the complainant was informed of the reason for the penalty and was given a copy of the memorandum on Aug., 1 2025. The Intelligence and Investigation Unit also noted the complainant did not initially specify which transaction he was contesting and that he returned to the district office on Aug. 8, 2025 for another matter and again requested a copy of the memorandum.

The Intelligence and Investigation Unit has ordered Climaco to submit a written explanation within five calendar days of receipt of the notice. The office warned that failure to respond will be deemed a waiver of the right to be heard and the case may be decided ex parte.

Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu said the action is part of a broader effort by LTO, under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, to remain open to public feedback while acting decisively against statements that could mislead the public or harm the agency’s reputation. The Intelligence and Investigation Unit will continue reviewing documentation and statements as the inquiry proceeds.

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