Graft Complaint Filed vs Former LTO Chief Over Computer Fees

A transport group has filed graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II over the alleged collection of computer service fees from public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.

The complaint, lodged by the Federated Land Transportation Organizations of the Philippines, accused Mendoza of granting undue advantage to Stradcom Corporation, the firm that manages the LTO’s information technology system.

According to the group, PUV operators were required to pay ₱169 in computer fees during vehicle registration and renewal processes as part of the Stradcom system.

The transport organization claimed the charges were collected from January 28 to February 28, 2025, affecting an estimated one million PUV operators nationwide.

In its filing, the group urged the Ombudsman to impose a 90-day preventive suspension on Mendoza, who currently serves as chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, while the case is under investigation.

They also called for the refund of the computer fees collected from operators during the period in question.

Mendoza, however, dismissed the allegations, saying the complaint was motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine accountability.

“This is not about accountability,” he said, describing the case as “plain and simple desperation to get even.”