LTO asks public not to bribe traffic enforcers

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday appealed to the motoring public to not offer any form of monetary  consideration to its traffic enforcers to elude apprehension or the issuance of tickets.

In a statement, the LTO said the public should recognize the authority of traffic enforcers when their vehicles are inspected or apprehended for traffic or road safety violations.

“Offering bribes to our law enforcers will not get you anywhere and will make things worse. Wala pong tiwali kung walang mag-uudyok na maging tiwali. Magtulungan po tayo. [There is no corruption if there is no one to push them to be corrupt. Let us help each other],” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade.

The LTO said it is making the appeal after its officers in Sorsogon City stopped a motorist while conducting roadside assistance and inspections as part of “Oplan Ligtas Biyaheng Pasko 2022.”

According to the agency, the LTO enforcers flagged down a Toyota Hi-Ace on Maharlika Highway in Barangay Guinlajon to verify its license and registration, and discovered that the vehicle was being used as a "colorum" operation to illegally transport 17 passengers from Northern Samar to Cubao.

The driver also allegedly tried to pass three P1,000 bills to a traffic enforcer just as he was about to issue a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) to apprehend the vehicle, then tried to walk away upon realizing that the enforcers were recording the process via a phone camera.

The agency said the enforcers then arrested the driver and brought him to the nearest police station for processing and proper disposition.

“The entire LTO and myself laud the actions of our noble traffic enforcers for refusing to accept the alleged bribery attempt, for standing firm in enforcing the law and not be tempted by acts of corruption. They are exceptional public servants that should be emulated by everyone," said Tugade. — BM, GMA Integrated News