A transport group representing public utility vehicle (PUV) operators has questioned the collection of a ₱169 computer fee per transaction, claiming it has generated more than ₱169 million and may have been implemented without sufficient justification.
The Federated Land Transport Organizations of the Philippines (FELTOP) filed a second graft complaint on March 5 before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor D. Mendoza II and Anthony Quiambao, president of Stradcom Corporation.
FELTOP alleged that the fee, collected through the Stradcom information technology system used in vehicle registration and other LTO transactions, resulted from alleged preferential treatment granted to the IT service provider.
According to the complaint, the ₱169 computer fee was imposed beginning January 28, 2025 and continued until February 28, 2026.
The group estimates the collection has already exceeded ₱169 million, based on roughly one million PUV-related transactions processed through the system during that period.
FELTOP represents more than 60,000 transport operators nationwide, mostly small and independent PUV operators. The group said the additional fee has added to the operating costs of transport operators who already face rising expenses.
The complaint argues that the computer fee “lacks any clear justification” and does not serve the public interest, particularly since it is collected per transaction.
In its petition, FELTOP asked the Ombudsman to impose a 90-day preventive suspension against Mendoza, who currently serves at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), while the case is being investigated.
The group is also seeking the refund of all computer fees collected from PUV operators starting January 28, 2025 up to the present, which it estimates at ₱169 million.
FELTOP spokesperson Jun Braga said the complaint aims to ensure accountability and transparency in government transactions affecting the transport sector, particularly small operators who bear the cost of additional regulatory fees.
