Two former LTO chiefs suspended over PHP 13.3 billion in computer fees

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the preventive suspension of two former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chiefs, Vigor Mendoza II and Teofilo Guadiz III, for six months without pay. The suspension follows administrative charges of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The case involves the continued use of an older information technology system operated by Stradcom Corp. instead of transitioning to the government-developed Land Transport Management System (LTMS). According to the Commission on Audit (COA), the parallel use of these systems resulted in approximately PHP 13.38 billion in computer fees charged to the public between 2019 and 2025.

The Ombudsman stated that the officials demonstrated a “patent disregard of established government policy” regarding the transition to the LTMS. The suspension aims to preserve evidence and prevent further potential malfeasance while the administrative case proceeds. Mendoza currently serves as the chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), while Guadiz is the chairperson of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC).