Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) member Vigor Mendoza II was appointed as the new chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday.
According to the Department of Transportation, Mendoza’s appointment was endorsed by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Mendoza, an Ateneo de Manila University law school alumnus and professor, also served as 1-UTAK party-list representative.
Mendoza will be replacing LTO officer-in-charge Hector Villacorta.
Among the issues that he will face as the new LTO chief is the shortage of driver’s license plastic cards.
During his stint at the LTFRB in 1999, Mendoza was dismissed by then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
The dismissal order was recommended by the Presidential Commission Against Graft and Corruption (PCAGC), citing a complaint that Mendoza lifted the moratorium on processing of public utility buses applications on his own. The move was contrary to the existing policy of the board.
Mendoza filed a motion of reconsideration in January 2000 and the Palace recalled its dismissal order, stating that the respondent acted “in good faith and without any dishonest motive.”
