LTO warns against online fixers

The Land Transportation Office has warned the public against fixers who offer a way around the process of getting a driver's license or a student permit, for a fee.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, a motorist filed a complaint against an online fixer who allegedly offered him a "package deal" to secure a student's permit.

"According sa kanila, hindi ka na magpapakita, puro online 'yong transaction pero pera 'yong labanan," Jertrand Guevarra said.

(They said you don't have to show up. The transaction is online but you pay for it.)

He said the fixer offered P4,300 for the package deal, which includes a student permit, a theoretical driving course, and a medical examination. These would all be processed in a day, he added.

Meanwhile, an LTO employee shared that she was also victimized by these online fixers.

Lyne Ibay, a frontliner evaluator, said a fixer once used her name.

"Tinawagan ko mismo 'yong nagbanggit ng pangalan ko para rin po maklaro doon sa aplikante na in any way, wala po akong koneksyon doon sa taong nagsabi ng pangalan ko," she said.

(I got in touch with the applicant who mentioned my name to clear up that I had no connection with the person who used my name.)

LTO chief assistant secretary Edgar Galvante urged the public to only transact with LTO officials at the office.

"Nanghihinayang lang ako sa mga taong nagpa-patronize noon kasi fake 'yon and a fake license cannot protect them. Walang silbi 'yon sayo. 'Pag nahuli ka pa, mas malaki pa ang haharapin mong kaso at maaari pang ma-suspend ang privilege mo," LTO chief assistant secretary Edgar Galvante said.

(I am dismayed for the people who use these fixers because a fake license cannot protect them. It's of no use to you. If you are caught, you will face a weightier case and your privileges may get suspended.) — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News