Markus Lacanilao, former special envoy for transnational crime, has been named the new chief of the Land Transportation Office. After being sworn in last Friday, October 10, he shared a seven-point framework, which outlined his priorities for the agency.
At the top of the framework is the implementation of a zero-corruption policy, but a number of other points push for modernization, more efficient operations, and road safety. Lacanilao will also be in charge of overseeing the agency’s same-day processing scheme for the license plates and official documents of brand-new vehicles. That is expected to kick off on October 15, 2025.
Markus Lacanilao’s seven priority framework
- Strict implementation of a “zero corruption” and “non-appearance” policy
- Upholding the principle “totoong serbisyo, wag negosyo”
- Eliminating unnecessary processes that cause delays
- Removing unwarranted expenses to reduce the financial burden on citizens
- Fully digitalizing LTO systems and integrating them with other agencies
- “Walang Areglo” strict enforcement of non-settlement policy
- Mainstreaming road safety measures across all relevant sectors
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Named as the fifth chief in LTO’s history, Lacanilao is also entering his post in the midst of a nationwide distribution effort for vehicle license plates. In June, previous LTO chief, Vigor Mendoza, announced that the 18.5 million license plate backlog was finally resolved after 11 years. Since then, the LTO has collaborated with several commercial centers and local government units to get vehicle owners their overdue license plates.
Following his two-year tenure with the LTO, Mendoza has been assigned to lead the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board.
