LTO prepares augmentation as enforcers in some SMC-operated expressways hold protest

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II ordered on Sunday, April 6, the mobilization of the agency’s personnel to assist in the enforcement of traffic regulations in some of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-operated expressways amid the ongoing protest actions of its deputized enforcers.
This developed as Mendoza expressed hope that the issue between the protesters and the SMC management would be settled in the soonest possible time, citing its impact especially with the scheduled exodus of people who would take advantage of the Holy Week for a vacation in their respective provinces.
Several deputized enforcers are holding protest action on South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) reportedly over labor dispute and Mendoza said they are concerned of its impact on motorists’ safety.
Citing the initial result of the investigation, he said the SLEX deputized enforcers’ protest action prompted the San Miguel management to pull out its enforcers in other expressways and deploy them along SLEX.
“There is a need for LTO intervention on the enforcement aspect since what is at stake is the safety of all motorists travelling along the affected areas. Our goal is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of all motorists travelling along the affected expressways,” said Mendoza.
Based on his order, LTO enforcers in Region 1 and Region 3 will be deployed along Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) while LTO- Metro Manila enforcement teams will augment the deputized enforcers along Skyway.
The LTO-Calabarzon was tasked to assist along SLEX and other SMC-operated expressways in the southern Tagalog area while enforcement teams from the LTO Central Office will be deployed along expressways that need additional manpower.
Mendoza also expressed concerns on the reports that the protesting enforcers are allegedly blocking some portions of the expressways.
“While we fully respect their right to air their grievances, I think it is not right to block some portions of the expressways because it will not only affect the motorists but also put at risk both the lives of the motorists and the protesters,” said Mendoza.