GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 6) — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has grounded its regional director in Soccsksargen as part of a sweeping effort to clean up vehicle registration processes and uphold public trust.
Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered Region 12 Director Melharrieh “King” Tomawis to report to the LTO central office while investigators look into alleged irregularities involving the registration of smuggled surplus vehicles.
The order came after Lacanilao’s visit to Region 12 on October 29, which prompted him to suspend new surplus vehicle registrations, freeze personnel movements, and request assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation for a full audit of the region’s transactions.
“In ensuring transparency and accountability, we must act swiftly and decisively,” Lacanilao said, emphasizing that the LTO is determined to restore integrity in its frontline services.
The Soccsksargen region, which covers South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City, is among the busiest in Mindanao for vehicle registration.
The move follows a similar recall of the LTO director in Mimaropa, where subordinates allegedly collected up to ₱50,000 from clients in exchange for expedited processing — a case now under investigation.
For Lacanilao, these actions mark more than disciplinary measures; they represent a push to rebuild confidence in an agency long criticized for corruption and red tape.
“Public service must always be beyond reproach,” he said. “That’s the standard we’re working to bring back.”
