Radioman files graft raps vs. LTO officials and businessman

CEBU, Philippines – A radio broadcaster has filed criminal and administrative charges against top officials of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas and a businessman who was allegedly given unwarranted favors by the agency.

Arnel Bacalan, who claimed to be a commentator of dyKC, filed the complaints for violation of the Republic Act 6713 otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and RA 3019 otherwise known as Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against regional director Raul Aguilos and his assistant Edgar Catarongan.

Businessman Harby Osmeña, who owns a drug testing laboratory and emission testing center accredited by the LTO, was also included in the complaints.

Bacalan claimed that he received several complaints from his radio listeners about the alleged conflict of interest committed by the respondents. According to Bacalan, Osmeña heads the Task Force Alpha, a deputized group by LTO to arrest erring drivers.

Bacalan claimed that Aguilos and Catarongan have allowed Osmeña to monopolize the drug testing and emission testing businesses at the LTO.

He said the two ranking LTO officials are negligent of their official duties for allowing Osmeña to monopolize the business despite the clear conflict of interest, the latter being a deputized agent.

Osmeña’s monopolizing the businesses at the LTO is allegedly contrary to the provisions of the RA 4136 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The LTO officials are allegedly giving unwarranted benefits to Osmeña by only accepting emission test results and drug test results from his company.

Bacalan attached in his complaint an affidavit of a certain Jeofrey Quiñones who claimed that his medical certificate from another accredited clinic was not accepted at the LTO extension office in SM.

He said he was required to get another medical certificate from HLO Diagnostic Center owned by Osmeña before his application for renewal of his license was accepted. — Fred P. Languido/BRP (THE FREEMAN)