Remulla slams LTO over alleged third-party insurance scheme

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday slammed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over an alleged scheme involving third-party liability insurance that he said leaves accident victims unable to claim benefits.

“The problem is, what we really need to watch out for is the concept of third-party liability insurance. They formed a cartel, which is why the Insurance Commission is having problems,” Remulla said in his radio program.

Remulla alleged that the LTO does not provide a service to help accident victims claim their insurance benefits.

"The problem is, when a person gets into an accident, there is no service or assistance [from the LTO]. They are only concerned with money," he said.

"Especially now, when a motorcycle is hit by a car, shouldn't third-party liability insurance apply? How can they make a claim? Have you ever seen a police officer tell someone, ‘Go ahead and claim insurance for your injury’?" Remulla added.

Remulla also criticized the LTO and the Insurance Commission, accusing both agencies of allegedly being more focused on money than on helping accident victims claim insurance benefits.

“That’s the problem with the LTO; it’s all about money. That’s wrong. The Insurance Commission is also all about money, ” he said.

Emissions testing

Remulla also slammed the LTO over an alleged “non-appearance” scheme involving Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs), which he said contributes to air pollution in the country.

“The emissions testing is not actually being conducted. It’s a non-appearance arrangement,” he said.

“At least have them tested after five years or after 10 years. All of them should be tested,” he added.

Remulla said some emission testing centers are reporting as many as 5,000 emission tests a month, although the actual number of vehicles undergoing testing is lower.

GMA News Online has sought the LTO’s comment on Remulla’s allegations.— MCG, GMA News