LTO chief Torres returns to her post

After a two-month "leave," controversial Land Transportation Office head Virginia Torres formally returned to her post Tuesday, a radio dzBB report said. In his report, dzBB's Allan Gatus said Torres called for a meeting among senior LTO officials before making the rounds of the agency's premises. She declined to give a statement to media, saying a 10 a.m. press conference was being planned for the day. Among the offices she toured were those of the executive director and intelligence and investigation.

Last weekend, Malacañang said Torres would return to her post this week. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this will be despite another case reportedly filed against Torres by Stradcom, the LTO’s Information Technology (IT) provider. On the other hand, she said the Palace is still studying the recommendations of a fact-finding body created by the Department of Justice. Last April, Torres took a two-month leave upon what Valte said was a “request" of President Benigno Aquino III. Transportation Assistant Secretary Raquel Desiderio took over the LTO in Torres’ absence. Torres had been linked to some issues, including her alleged involvement in an intra-corporate dispute at Stradcom Corp., the LTO’s computer systems provider. — RSJ, GMA News