Ex-LTO chief, now LTFRB Chairman Mendoza charged with graft in P169 computer fee charged to PUVs
A graft complaint has been filed against former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza, now chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), on the P169 computer fee charged to public utility vehicles (PUVs) by Stradcom Corporation from 2025 to 2026.
The complaint filed by the Federated Land Transport Organizations of the Philippines (FELTOP) accused Mendoza of giving undue preference to the IT firm as it allowed Stradcom to collect fees from operators.
The group asked the Office of the Ombudsman to issue a 90-day preventive suspension of Mendoza.
It also sought the refund of the P169 that was paid by millions of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators since Jan. 28, 2025.
FELTOP Spokesperson June Barga said that the computer fee might be considered a small amount for some individuals, but it still adds up to the growing expenses of jeepney drivers and operators.
Barga said he and his group could not understand why the computer fee was brought back by Mendoza, when earlier LTO chiefs already removed its implementation.
Mendoza issued a statement. He said the complaint is "not about accountability" as it is a "plain and simple desperation to get even."
"Our aggressive policy reforms geared towards fast and comfortable services when I was still in the LTO cut deep into the interests of some individuals and groups that they still feel the sharp and biting pain of the effects until now - and therefore, could not move on," he said.
He added: "Nevertheless, I respect and welcome the decision of a self-proclaimed transport group to bring the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman since this is the proper forum to shed light into this old and recycled issue."