A vehicular accident along Legarda Road on Tuesday this week led to the sacking of a Land Transportation Office (LTO) Baguio official whose name has been withheld.
According to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the Legarda vehicular accident involved another government official. No casualties were reported, but when the BCPO took both in for questioning, the LTO official supposedly grew hostile, prompting the conduct of an alcohol breath test that came back positive.
Said official was identified as LTO-Motor Vehicle Registration Chief Edilberto Bongaoen.
Bongaoen has been relieved from his post and also faces a case for violation of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. In addition to his suspension and removal from post, Bongaoen’s termination in coordination with the Civil Service Commission is already in the works.
According to Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the LTO official’s behavior runs contrary to the thrust of the Baguio government for good governance and that government officials should be leading by example rather than abusing their power.
Magalong also complained that the incident came at a time when the city is trying to adjust to a rising incidence of vehicular traffic accidents.
“I commend Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Director Glenn Dumlao for their prompt decision to remove the said official and that the said incident is being investigated.”
