CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has warned that traffic enforcers who act arrogantly toward the public may be removed from their posts.
LTO7 Regional Director Wendel Dinglasan issued the statement following concerns about the “arrogant” behavior of some LTO personnel on the streets.
In an interview, Dinglasan stressed that professionalism and respect must always be upheld while enforcers carry out their duties.
“I-document po ng ating public ‘yung kagaspangan ng ugali, and I will verify through due process. Then pag napatunayan natin, tanggalin natin,” he said.
He encouraged the public to report incidents of misconduct, assuring that complaints would be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Maintaining public trust, he added, remains a top priority, and any abuse of authority will not be tolerated.
The LTO also reminded its personnel to observe proper conduct and treat motorists with courtesy at all times.
“Halimbawa, meron po mga magagaspang ang ugali at tsaka mga masasama o kumbaga mayabang agad ang dating sa apprehension. I advise the public to document, or to video,” Dinglasan said.
He noted that taking videos is not prohibited, especially since LTO enforcers are performing public functions.
Dinglasan further emphasized that arrogant officers have no place in the agency. “Hindi sila bagay sa public service kung ganyan ang ugali nila,” he said. “We work for the people, hindi dapat magaspang ang ugali sa pinagtatrabahuhan natin,” he added.
During apprehensions, Dinglasan said enforcers should act properly and ask politely when requesting a driver’s license and other documents. “Ang power is fleeting. Tandaan ng mga tao ‘yan, bigay po ng gobyerno ang power, it should be exercised nang maayos,” he said.
However, the regional director stressed the need for a balanced approach so drivers and motorists will not take advantage.
“Gaya nga po ng sabi ko, the strict enforcement must go hand in hand with compassion,” he said, as he clarified that promoting compassion does not mean violators will no longer be apprehended.
With this approach, Dinglasan said the agency can ensure strict implementation of traffic rules while avoiding unfair treatment. “Basta ang sa akin lang, it should be balanced, strict, but with compassion. ‘Yun po ang goal natin dito,” he added.
| Written by Kristin de Dios/RAE
