MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has cautioned the public—especially its suppliers and other stakeholders—against individuals falsely posing as DOTr officials or employees for the purpose of soliciting money or other favors.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Saturday that no DOTr official or employee was authorized to solicit, request, or demand any form of payment or personal benefit from suppliers, contractors, or stakeholders, whether directly or through intermediaries.
Lopez’s warning came after the agency’s Office for Special Concerns has received a report concerning an individual identified as "Romeo," who uses the mobile number 09603634799.
“This person allegedly introduced himself to a DOTr supplier as a member of the said office and requested P200,000 as a so-called ‘sign of goodwill,’ instructing the supplier to deposit the amount into a designated bank account,” according to the DOTr chief.
Lopez then urged the public and all stakeholders to report similar incidents immediately and to always coordinate directly with the concerned DOTr office through official communication channels.
