Tugade steps down as LTO chief

Jose Arturo Tugade has stepped down as Assistant Secretary of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In a statement posted over the Presidential Communications Office Facebook page, Tugade cited that the LTO and DOTr have “varying methods” in serving the public.

“For this reason, I am stepping down, so Secretary Jimmy Bautista will have the free hand to choose who he can work best with,” the resigned LTO chief said.

Further, he said that he will “continue to root for the LTO's success even as a private citizen, because I will always share in Sec. Bautista’s belief that our offices can be a formidable force for good in our country.”

Separately, Bautista said that the DOTr shall submit to the Office of the President its recommendation for the position “who can display the same fervor, while aligning efforts to the mission of this Department.”

To recall, Tugade was given the position late last year, replacing now Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chair Teofilo Guadiz.

Prior to the resignation, the LTO announced that it is experiencing shortage in the supply of plastic cards for driver’s licenses as well as materials for license plate production.

Photos from Jayart Tugade, Presidential Communications Office, and Land Transportation Office Facebook pages

Also read:

LTO not authorized to use daily collection for production of driver’s licenses, number plates

Improvised license plates require LTO authorization letter

LTO to start digitized ticketing system next week