Palace announces reshufflein transport agencies

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday announced a reshuffle of top officials in key transportation agencies, appointing Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II as the new chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

He replaces Teofilo Guadiz III, who was reassigned as chairman of the Office of Transport Cooperatives, while former Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao was named the new LTO chief, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

Although Malacañang has yet to issue a formal statement on the reorganization, the changes come amid ongoing challenges in the government’s transport modernization efforts and previous controversies within the agencies.

Mendoza, who served as LTO chief since July 2023, is credited with implementing sweeping reforms and addressing long-standing issues within the agency.

Under his leadership, the LTO resolved the 11-year backlog of more than 13 million license plates for both motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles – a problem that had plagued the agency since 2014. Mendoza also oversaw the stabilization of plastic card and security paper supplies used in driver’s licenses and other vital documents.

“I will leave the LTO with my head held high, knowing that I made a difference in ensuring the quality service that the Filipino people deserve,” Mendoza added, thanking LTO employees for embracing institutional reforms within the agency.

Mendoza, Guadiz and Lacanilao are expected to formally assume their new posts following the release of official appointment papers from Malacañang. –  Helen Flores