Lacierda: De Jesus can 'shed light' on LTO-Stradcom contract

A Palace spokesperson on Monday said outgoing Transportation Secretary Jose de Jesus can clarify reports that the President ordered a reversal of his department’s endorsement of a Land Transportation Office (LTO) contract with Stradcom Corp. The Department of Transportation and Communication had issued findings that the LTO-Stradcom contract will benefit not only the government but also the public as it hastens the processing of transactions and ensures data authenticity. “Yes, by all means, Secretary De Jesus can shed light on the non-issue," said Lacierda, branding the reported order as “utterly untrue." Reports said De Jesus resigned after Aquino gave these directives. Four Transportation undersecretaries also left their posts following De Jesus. Communications Strategy Secretary Ricky Carandang also denied that the resignation was triggered by the issue with the LTO-Stradcom project and the supposed opposition to it by LTO chief Virgina Torres. Carandang said personalities making these allegations should be able to back up their claims with evidence, urging them to “stick to what is on record" as well. “The President on the record has said that he was surprised that Secretary De Jesus resigned. I spoke to Secretary De Jesus personally and what he told me does not contradict any of those statements," he said. — PE/VS, GMA News