After casino controversy, LTO chief retires

MANILA, Philippines - Caught in a viral video controversy, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres announced her retirement this month purportedly to put an end to issues plaguing the agency.

"Para magkaroon ng katahimikan sa LTO, sa mga issues, I chose to retire," Torres said in a radio report Monday, denying that the Palace asked her to step down.

Torres said that she personally informed President Benigno Aquino III and Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya of her decision to leave her post.

She added Aquino was supportive of the move.

Related: Palace won't sack LTO chief over casino visit

Last August, two videos apparently showing Torres playing slot machine at a casino circulated online, setting off calls for her resignation.

Government officials are banned “from entering and playing in casinos” under Memorandum Circular No. 8 issued in August 2001.

Abaya said last September that Torres was under investigation for the allegations, which she vehemently denied.

“While waiting for the bill to be settled, I saw the slot machine on the lower floor and out of curiosity, I sat in front of one machine and marveled at the lights and read the instructions,” she was quoted in a report at abscbnnews.com.