Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Jose Arturo "J-Art" Tugade announced on Monday that he has stepped down from his post following differences with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
"Even as DOTr & LTO both aim to succeed in serving the public, our methods to achieve that success differ," Tugade said in a statement.
"For this reason, I am stepping down, so Sec. Jimmy Bautista will have the free hand to choose who he can work best with," he continued.
Asec. Tugade sa pagbibitiw bilang LTO Chief: Even as DOTr & LTO both aim to succeed in serving the public, our methods to achieve that success differ. For this reason, I'm stepping down, so Sec. Bautista will have the free hand to choose who he can work best with | @dzrhnews https://t.co/90ALZdt8hh pic.twitter.com/iS3aoVOY6x
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) May 22, 2023
J Art, who is the son of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, said he will continue to root for the LTO’s success as a private citizen.
"I will continue to root for the LTO’s success even as a private citizen, because I will always share in Sec. Bautista’s belief that our offices can be a formidable force for good in our country," he said.
The younger Tugade was appointed as LTO chief back in November 2022 due to his experience in management and litigation.
Last month, the LTO announced the shortage of plastic cards for driver's licenses, forcing the agency to issue temporary driver's documents printed on paper.
