Roque confirms probe into corruption raps vs. LTO-7 director

According to Roque, he had already raised the matter to LTO chief Edgar Galvante who allowed vehicle owners to process the registration outside of Cebu. (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday announced that Land Transportation Office in Region 7 (LTO-7) director Victor Caindec is being investigated for corruption.

In a virtual Palace briefing, Roque confirmed that Caindec was the LTO official he was referring to on Monday who allegedly extorted money from motorcycle distributors.

“Okay, since Caindec brought out his own name, yes, I was referring to Caindec,” he said, adding that he had affidavits to prove his extortion activities.

He said the affidavits were “a matter of public document already.”

“I have affidavits to probe po na kinikikilan niya iyong mga (that he was extorting money from) motorcycle distributors, and this is a matter of public document already, nang hindi po pumayag na mas mataas iyong kikil na ibibigay sa kanya, saka po siya nagkaroon ng kung anu-anong hadlang (when they refused to pay the amount he wanted, that’s when he started harassing them),” he said.

According to Roque, he had already raised the matter to LTO chief Edgar Galvante who allowed vehicle owners to process the registration outside of Cebu.

Roque said he was driven by his motivation to expose corruption within agencies just like how he conducted a crusade against anomalies within the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth).

“I stand for good government together with the President, so iyon po ang (that’s my) motivation. So I’m supported po by public documents and the corresponding charges will be filed,” he said.

Roque also vowed to bring the matter up now to the top leadership.

“Ang mga corrupt, magtago na kayo. Sisipain kayo ng Presidente sa gobyerno (To those corrupt, you better hide. The President will kick you out from government),” he said.

On Monday, Roque urged Caindec to “shape up”, adding that authorities are giving him time to change his erring ways.

In a separate press conference, Caindec questioned Roque’s motive in calling him out, denying that he purposely delayed the licensing process.