NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. The relief order of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Western Visayas Director I Arturo R. Apolinar for beating the red light in Iloilo City. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas reported to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade about the violations of Apolinar, who was caught beating the red light four times. (Photo courtesy of City Mayor’s Office)
ILOILO CITY- The assistant to the regional director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas was relieved from his post effective Tuesday for violating a traffic rule in this city on October 25.
Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante signed the relief of LTO Director I Arturo R. Apolinar after he was informed of the infraction by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas through Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Treñas said Apolinar has been caught beating the red light four times. The latest incident was the morning of October 25 at the intersection of El 98 Street in Jaro district.
“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,” the mayor said in his statement released Tuesday.
He also said the city government will file necessary cases to protect the integrity of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
Jeck Conlu, head of the PSTMO, told the Philippine News Agency that Apolinar was flagged down by two traffic enforcers assigned in the area when he beat the red light but he did not stop.
The traffic enforcers sought the assistance of the local police and while they were trailing the LTO official, he shouted at them to just follow him to his office.
The regional office of the LTO is located in Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro.
The mayor said he also reported the incident to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and Malacañang Spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Justice is served and the law prevails as LTO employee Apolinar is relieved of his present duties and responsibilities. We must remember that no one is above the law and as public officials, we must serve as a good example to the community by abiding the laws,” the mayor said.
He also expressed his appreciation for the “prompt action against someone who in his mind is beyond the law”. (PNA)
