MANILA - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday warned against using Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade's name to cut through lines at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The agency released the statement after receiving reports that a certain individual who claimed to be Tugade's cousin disrupted lines at the LTO branch in Novaliches for "faster processing of payments and documents."

It said an investigation is ongoing.

"Please be informed that Secretary Tugade does not tolerate corrupt practices through the unauthorized use of his name, among others," said the agency.

"The DOTr condemns acts such as this, and will closely coordinate with proper authorities to provide appropriate action to the said individual behind this unlawful activity," the agency said in a statement.

It also called on the public to be "cautious and vigilant, and report to the proper authorities any suspicious individuals or activities wherein Secretary Tugade’s name or any official’s of this Department and its attached agencies is being used."