LTO summons 12 Metro Manila driving schools for alleged irregularities

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned 12 accredited driving schools in Metro Manila and their instructors for allegedly issuing certificates of completion to students who did not undergo or complete mandatory driving courses.

In a statement, the LTO said the driving schools were issued show cause orders (SCOs) over alleged irregularities in their issuance of practical driving course (PDC) certificates of completion to students.

The schools allegedly issued certifications to students who did not undergo or complete the mandatory eight hours of practical driving instruction.

The LTO said these are violations of LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2023-2460, including fraud, misrepresentation, irregular use of accreditation, and non-compliance with established regulations.

“The instructors concerned are likewise implicated for their involvement,” the agency added.

The driving schools and driving instructors were ordered to submit their written explanations and supporting documents within five calendar days of receiving the SCOs.

Their failure to comply shall be deemed a waiver of their right to be heard.

The LTO’s Central Accreditation Committee on Driving Schools and Medical Clinics (CAC-DSMC) will then proceed to resolve the cases based on available evidence.

The 12 driving schools and its instructors were also placed under preventive suspension for 30 days.

They are strictly prohibited from conducting any driver education activities and from accessing or using the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) for the processing or issuance of certificates until a final decision is issued. — JMA, GMA Integrated News