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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Group files graft complaint vs current, former transport execs over computer fee collection

Group files graft complaint vs current, former transport execs over computer fee collection

Published May 4, 2026 12:17 pm  |  Updated May 4, 2026 01:57 pm

At A Glance

  • Coalition 169 alleged that officials extended undue favor to Stradcom in relation to the LTO's information technology systems, allowing the continued imposition of the P169.06 fee despite what it described as the expiration of the firm's contract in February 2013.
A multisectoral coalition has filed a graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against current and former officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), alleging irregularities in the continued collection of a P169 “computer fee” from motorists.
The complaint was filed by Coalition 169, represented by Bernard Y. Yu, Jun Rustico Braga, Aida C. Yuvienco, Joselito C. Reyes, Rene S. Santiago, and the Federated Land Transport Organizations of the Philippines, Inc., represented by its president Diolito N. Inosanto.
In a complaint dated May 4, Coalition 169 accused several incumbent and former transport officials, along with Stradcom Corporation president Anthony Quiambao, of violating provisions of Republic Act No. 3019.
The group cited Section 3(e) of the law, which penalizes causing undue injury to the government or giving unwarranted benefits to a private party, and Section 3(g), which prohibits entering into contracts grossly disadvantageous to the government.
Coalition 169 alleged that officials extended undue favor to Stradcom in relation to the LTO’s information technology systems, allowing the continued imposition of the P169.06 fee despite what it described as the expiration of the firm’s contract in February 2013.
The group estimated that the fee has generated around P2 billion to P3 billion annually since February 10, 2013, amounting to billions of pesos collected from motorists and other LTO clients.
“While P169.06 per transaction may appear minimal, its cumulative impact is significant. Across millions of transactions annually, this represents a substantial financial burden on Filipino motorists—compounded by additional indirect costs such as time lost, repeated in-person visits, and the loss of digital convenience,” the coalition said.
“At a minimum, this situation calls for a transparent accounting of total collections under the current system cost structure and recovery status and justification for continued fee imposition,” it added.
Named respondents include Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez; former Transportation secretaries Vivencio B. Dizon and Jaime J. Bautista; DOTr Undersecretary Ramon G. Reyes; former undersecretaries Jesus Ferdinand D. Ortega and Mark Steven C. Pastor; LTO chief Markus V. Lacanilao; former LTO chiefs Vigor Mendoza II and Teofilo E. Guadiz III; and Quiambao.
Coalition 169 is asking the Ombudsman to conduct a preliminary investigation and, if warranted, file criminal charges for graft.
It also sought a preventive suspension of incumbent officials for up to six months, as provided under the law.
In addition, the group is seeking the refund of all computer fees collected from February 2013 up to the present, and the suspension of further collection and remittance of the fees pending resolution of the case.
The complainants further asked the Ombudsman to compel the submission of key documents, including contracts, procurement records, audit reports, and issuances related to the LTO’s IT systems and Stradcom’s engagement.
Coalition 169 said the complaint was filed in the interest of transparency and accountability in government transactions, particularly those involving public fees collected from motorists.

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