DOTr Warns Against Name-Dropping

On Saturday, February 16, the Department of Transportation (DOTR) issued a stern warning against opportunists who would use Secretary Arthur Tugade's name to speed up transactions in the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

"Please be informed that Secretary Tugade does not tolerate corrupt practices through the unauthorized use of his name, among others," the agency said in the statement.

DOTr released the statement after reports that an individual at the LTO Novaliches branch claimed to be Tugade’s cousin to avoid waiting in line.

"The DOTr condemns acts such as this, and will closely coordinate with proper authorities to provide appropriate action to the said individual behind this unlawful activity," the statement continued, further asking the public to practice caution and vigilance, and "report to the proper authorities any suspicious individuals or activities wherein Secretary Tugade's name or any officials of this Department and its attached agencies is being used."

DOTr said that it is also looking into the LTO Novaliches incident.