Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the postponement of new vehicle procurement for the Central Office and instead reallocated a P50-million budget to improve client facilities at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The move, detailed in a memorandum dated Oct. 16, aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive to enhance public transport and services for Filipinos.
The reallocation is intended to upgrade existing waiting and client areas at LTO and LTFRB offices. Potential improvements include the installation of air conditioning units, provision of water dispensers, and sufficient chairs, the DOTr said.
“The client who gave the feedback was correct. We in government are merely servants. As the President said, we are the Filipinos’ servants, not their lords,” Lopez said.
He said the DOTr prioritizes improving facilities for citizens over purchasing new vehicles. “We are doing this because it is more important to us in the DOTr that our countrymen have proper facilities. Air conditioned, comfortable whether it is sunny or rainy. Drinking water if they are thirsty and customers are comfortable if they are waiting. Those are more important than new vehicles, which can be procured even next year,” Lopez said.
The acting transport chief also mandated that the LTO and LTFRB efficiently utilize the transferred funds, which will remain valid until the end of 2025.
