LTO-7 to intensify campaign against modified mufflers

CEBU, Philippines — Outlining his first agendas as the newly appointed regional director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)–7, Lawyer Wendel Dinglasan is set to intensify enforcement against modified mufflers while addressing backlogs in the release of license plates across the region.

Dinglasan affirmed that he will continue current enforcement schemes but emphasized that officers must first be knowledgeable in determining which mufflers are allowed under existing regulations to avoid confusion.

“First directive ko po ay i-determine lahat ng mga enforcers kung ano yung hindi pwedeng mufflers at kung ano yung pwede kasi dun po nagkakaroon ng kalituhan sa kalye eh,” said Dinglasan in a press briefing.

He added that possible consultations with bike clubs and motorcycle drivers may be organized to address clarifications on directives and memoranda issued by the central office to ensure a thorough understanding of enforcement rules.

“Magkasundo po tayo sa araw na yun kung alin po yung huhulihin, alin yung hindi,” he noted.

Alongside operations on muffler usage, the director also asserted that inspections of unclaimed or delayed license plates across Central Visayas will be conducted.

“Iikutin ko po ang lahat ng opisina ng buong region, titingnan kung may nakatambak na plaka at ilalabas po natin yan one by one para po lahat ng sasakyan natin dito sa region 7, lahat magkaroon na,” Dinglasan said.

He said that a meeting involving LTO personnel and authorized dealers will also be scheduled to determine the extent of delays and guarantee the timely release of the plates.

“Once and for all, isosolve po natin yan. Paghaharapin ko po ang buong LTO at tsaka lahat ng dealers,” he said.

He also conveyed his plans to coordinate with local government units for a caravan-style plate distribution to bring services closer to motorists.

“Mas maganda po kasi yun kasi pupunta ang tao dun. So kami na po ang magdadala sa kanila,” he said.

Administrative cases may be filed if delays and irregularities can be tracked down to the LTO, while a show-cause order may be issued for dealers found withholding license plates, he said.

If proven to be noncompliant with the agency’s directives, Dinglasan also said that dealers may face suspension or cancellation of their accreditations.

“Kakalampagin ko po lahat ng dealers para i-produce nila yan,” he warned.

Dinglasan assumed office following a reshuffling of leadership positions within the agency, assuring that his immediate focus is to provide improved frontline services to the region.

“At the end of the day, ang kailangan lang po natin ibigay sa mga tao ang serbisyo na kanilang deserve,” he said. — Lynda Katherine B. Mecaros, UP Cebu Intern/IHM (FREEMAN)