A high-ranking official of the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas  (LTO-6) was relieved from his post following his refusal to acknowledge his alleged traffic violation.

No less than Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas brought to the attention of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade the issue about Director 1 Arturo Apolinar, LTO-6 assistant to the regional director, who did not comply with traffic rules especially the traffic red lights.

“I denounce government officials who do not follow traffic signs. Most especially if they work with the LTO which is called upon to execute national laws on traffic… He feels he is beyond the law. We cannot allow an assistant (to the) regional director to act beyond the rule of law in Iloilo City,” Treñas said in a statement.

Apolinar was flagged down by a traffic enforcer in EL-98 Street in Jaro district on Monday, October 25, for beating the red light but instead of acknowledging it, he allegedly reprimanded the traffic enforcer and told him to follow him at his office.

LTO chief, assistant secretary Edgar Galvante, took an immediate action and ordered the relief of Apolinar through Office Order No 2021-294 dated October 26, 2021.

“In the best interest of the service, Mr. Arturo R. Apolinar, Director 1, LTO Region VI, Iloilo City, is hereby relieved of his present duties and responsibilities and order to clear himself to present accountabilities, effective immediately,” the order read.

LTO-6 assistant regional director Gaudioso Geduspan confirmed that the regional office received the order on the same date.

Apolinar wa ordered to report to Galvante upon receipt of the order.

Treñas, meanwhile, thanked Tugade and Galvante for the prompt action.

“Thank you Sec. Art Tugade and Gen. Galvante for your prompt action against someone who in his mind is beyond the law,” he said.

Earlier, Treñas called on LTO-6 regional director Eric Tabaldo to impose the necessary disciplinary action against Apolinar who is technically under him.

He added that the city will file the necessary cases in the proper court or agency to protect the integrity of the city’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office. (Glenda Tayona)/WDJ