When one sees an overloaded truck (or, at least, one with super-heavy cargo), they begin to hate the agency in charge of the roads – the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Upon his ascension to office, President Rodrigo Duterte focused his anger on the corruption at two government agencies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and LTO. Past administrations long tolerated their misdeeds, turning a blind eye and zippering their lips.

Given the situation with overloaded vehicles, the LTO, once again, has gained the ire of the public.

While the LTO is the most powerful national agency on the roads, all responsibilities do not fall on their shoulders, such as overloaded vehicles. Identification and apprehension is up to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH).

Weighing scales used to monitor trucks carrying heavy cargo are the responsibility of the DPWH. They have the authority to determine whether or not a vehicle is overloaded.

Why is the DPWH not exerting effort in apprehending overloaded vehicles? Are they shutting their eyes? Are they afraid of apprehending the truck belonging to a politico?

According to a retired teacher, after being informed DPWH is responsible for the unfettered proliferation of overloaded trucks, the agency is likely afraid of politicians and influential businessmen.

DPWH has been negligent in their duties, they added.

In the same conversation, a priest called the local DPWH District Engineering Office “blind,” particularly with the number of accidents that occur as a result of poor maintenance./WDJ

***

This column greets Bayani Fernando, Jojo Vito, Dhadha Garcia, Dennis Lo, Hazel Ditching, Ritchie Macabane, Dino Yapjoco, Ronald Ray Dumala-os, Bevelyn and Harry Fernan, Anthony Visitacion, JC Ferrer Clavecillas, Renato Novero, Roland Ramos, Reuben Tampos, and Bobit Avila./WDJ