Palace gives DOTC chief ‘free hand’ on reforms

Malacañang has given Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza a free hand in carrying out a department-wide revamp, especially the relief of key officials of offices under him.

Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo said President Arroyo has empowered Mendoza to decide on the relief and replacement of Transportation Assistant Secretary Roberto Lastimoso as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

When asked about the status of Lastimoso, Romulo said: "Secretary Mendoza is the one who would decide on that."

Malacañang sources said Lastimoso would "definitely" be replaced, but the "problem" is his replacement.

Alfredo Bengzon, transportation undersecretary for special concerns and maritime affairs, was said to be "reluctant" to be assigned as LTO officer-in-charge.

However, the source could not say why Bengzon was "reluctant" to take the post.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement that Lastimoso would go on official leave–a Palace euphemism for graceful exit– effective July 15.

While she did not give the exact date when Lastimoso’s official leave would end, Mrs. Arroyo assured the former Philippine National Police chief that he would have a new post and remain an assistant secretary.

"General Lastimoso will take a leave as LTO chief by July 15 and assume his new post as assistant secretary thereafter," she said.

Mendoza told radio station dzRH he would make changes at the DOTC "within this week," including the removal of Lastimoso as LTO chief and of Dante Lantin as chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"There are such plans, but these are not yet final," he said. "Maybe within this week, we would know. We really need these reforms with the problem on routes and franchises, (in) which President Arroyo herself saw evidences of corruption." – Marichu Villanueva