LTO 7 Director Calls for Public to Document Traffic Enforcer Misconduct in Central Visayas
Motorists in Central Visayas are now encouraged to utilize their mobile phones to capture instances of rude and abusive behavior by traffic enforcers during apprehensions. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 Director Wendel Calinao Dinglasan has publicly requested the community to document any misconduct, assuring that the agency will take decisive action on complaints supported by concrete evidence.
Recording Allowed Due to Public Duty
Dinglasan emphasized that recording traffic enforcers is permissible because they perform their duties in a public capacity. "I advise the public to document and take videos," he stated. "They are not acting in a private capacity, so they can be filmed." This directive comes in response to numerous reports of enforcers displaying arrogance and hostility during roadside operations, which Dinglasan described as unacceptable behavior.
Addressing Specific Incidents and Due Process
The director cited specific examples where enforcers aggressively demanded motorists' licenses without providing any explanation. "That kind of behavior is unacceptable," Dinglasan asserted. "The proper way is to ask politely and verify documents. There should be no arrogance. Power is fleeting; it is given by the government and must be exercised properly." He clarified that all reported misconduct will undergo due process, with guilty enforcers facing dismissal. "If we can prove it, we will remove them. They have no place in public service if they behave that way," he added.
Workforce Expansion and Inclusivity Initiatives
In addition to addressing misconduct, Dinglasan revealed that LTO 7 has 12 vacant enforcer positions in the region. He expressed a strong desire to hire more women to foster an inclusive workforce. "I want to change the landscape of the LTO in this region," he said. "I hope to see more lady enforcers. Times have changed, being a woman does not mean you cannot handle work on the streets. In fact, some women have exceptional talent for this."
Balancing Enforcement with Compassion
Looking ahead, the agency plans to deploy additional personnel in the coming weeks to refine operations. Dinglasan stressed the importance of balance in enforcing traffic laws. "Strict enforcement must go hand in hand with compassion," he explained. "Compassion does not mean we stop apprehending violators, but enforcers should exercise proper discretion." He concluded by affirming that law enforcement should never compromise respect, ensuring a fair and respectful interaction between enforcers and the public.
