2 LTO-NCR execs sacked amid probe into Discaya luxury cars

The director and assistant director of the Land Transportation Office–National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) have been relieved from their posts amid their suspected involvement in the controversies surrounding the registration of luxury vehicles owned by Discaya couple, according to a report by Super Radyo dzBB’s Carlo Mateo on Monday.

JUST IN: Regional director at assistant regional director ng Land Transportation Office-NCR, inalis sa puwesto upang bigyang-daan ang imbestigasyon ukol sa kuwestiyonableng registration ng mga luxury car ng mga Discaya. | via @SurfaceCarlo pic.twitter.com/YEOQaRRytB

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 24, 2025

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered their relief to give way to an ongoing investigation into the questionable registration of vehicles linked to the Discaya family.

In a separate statement, the LTO said its chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, has been designated as concurrent acting regional director of the concerned office.

“Asec. Lacanilao officially commenced his responsibilities today with his participation in the flag-raising ceremony held at the LTO-NCR headquarters,” the LTO said.

“Following the ceremony, he convened a meeting with the division and district offices’ chiefs to address and deliberate on critical issues and operational priorities pertinent to the regional and district offices,” it added.

According to the agency, Lacanilao’s designation is expected to bring renewed focus and strategic direction to LTO-NCR, ensuring the continued delivery of efficient and effective public services.

“Assistant Secretary Lacanilao’s extensive experience and leadership are anticipated to foster enhanced coordination and performance across the regional operations,” the LTO said.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday said it is preparing to hold a second public auction for four unsold luxury vehicles owned by the Discaya family.

Authorities believe the vehicles were imported and registered in the country through fraudulent means.

The auction forms part of the BOC’s efforts to recover lost government revenue and remit proceeds to the national treasury.

The Discaya family has been under scrutiny over their alleged involvement in a multibillion-peso corruption scheme tied to public works contracts, including flood control projects.

Then–Justice Secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said Discaya-owned companies secured around P200 billion worth of government infrastructure projects.—MCG, GMA Integrated News