Transport group opposes Lomibao's appointment to LTO

MANILA, Philippines - A militant group of public utility drivers and operators on Tuesday expressed dismay over the appointment of retired Police Director Arturo Lomibao as Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief. Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) Secretary General George San Mateo said the appointment of Lomibao is obviously a “political gift” from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for serving her well during the 2004 elections, which is allegedly rigged with anomalies in favor of the current administration. Lomibao, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will replace Alberto Suansing, who was chosen to replace Thompson Lantion as head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). San Mateo accused President Arroyo of using the LTO and LTFRB positions as launching pads for her allies’ political careers. He also said that with the appointment of Lomibao, President Arroyo can now use the agency to give her "high profile machinery" in the coming 2010 elections. "President Arroyo is handing out these juicy positions to the officials like Lomibao, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, and other retired police and military officials so they can obtain their political aspirations with the use of these agencies," San Mateo said. "Ang LTO at LTFRB ay mga serbisyo publikong ahensya para sa kapakanan ng public transport sector, pribadong motorista at mananakay at hindi dapat ginagamit ng Malakanyang para masimulan lamang ang political career ng mga kaalyado," he added. [“LTO and LTFRB are public service agencies and should not be used by Malacañang to jumpstart the political careers of its allies.”] San Mateo said that they would push for the stay of Lantion and Suansing to their respective positions. - GMANews.TV