Nobody stopping Caindec from discontinuing his probe: Roque

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday urged Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 Director Victor Caindec to proceed with the investigation on alleged anomalies in the release of motorcycle plates. (File photo: Presidential Photo via PNA)

MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday urged Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 Director Victor Caindec to proceed with the investigation on alleged anomalies in the release of motorcycle plates.

“There is no person stopping RD Caindec to discontinue his probe on alleged anomalies in his office. Go on with the investigation and pursue it until the end,” Roque said in a statement.

This, after Caindec claimed that Roque’s pronouncements were part of a “well-orchestrated act” to pressure him to stop an ongoing LTO 7 probe against a group of motorcycle dealers allegedly involved in large-scale tax evasion.

“So this is my question. We are the only LTO region investigating a dealership. I am the only director, well, at least in my opinion. I refused a bribe offer, which led to this extensive investigation. So if we’re the only ones investigating, does that mean we’re corrupt?” Caindec said.

He said if there is pressure from anyone, it is pressure allegedly coming from Roque to drop the local probe.

Roque, however, prodded Caindec to push through with the probe, saying all public officials must have a common advocacy on good governance and zero tolerance against corruption.

“RD Caindec questioned my motive. It is clear as the sun rises in the East: I stand for good government and the Filipinos deserve no less,” he said.

On Monday, Roque warned an LTO official from Visayas to “shape up” amid allegations of corruption involving dirty deals worth millions of pesos.

Caindec later said he believed he was the one being alluded to.

According to Roque, he was “surprised” that Caindec revealed himself and played the issue out in the public.

“It was a statement made in good faith with the intent that the aforesaid official would ‘shape up’ and bring back effective and efficient delivery of service to his office,” he said.

Caindec questioned Roque’s motives, claiming that the presidential spokesperson is a former associate of the lawyer of the dealers under investigation.