The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced the appointment of lawyer Jose Arturo "J Art" Tugade as its new chief.
This was confirmed by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista in a statement. He said that J Art, son of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, is "best suited for the very challenging job in the LTO."
"With his experience in management and litigation, I believe that he will make a difference in the LTO with the many problems and controversies being faced by the agency," Bautista said.
"When I talked to Atty. Tugade after the announcement, we both discussed how we can better serve the DOTr. It was then that we realized that he is better suited to the LTO," he added.
Malacañang earlier said Tugade was named as acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
"We immediately asked the indulgence of the President and explained the gravity of the situation in the LTO and the importance of the work that has to be done as well as the willingness of Atty J Art to do it. In the end, the President understood the situation," Bautista said.
The DOTr chief said Teofilo Guadiz will then take on the position of Asst. Secretary for the Road Sector of the DOTr.
The Palace has yet to release a statement yet on Tugade's post at the LTO.
