LTO urged to work with PNP, NBI to apprehend online fixers

It’s an open secret that some people rely on fixers to get their driver’s licenses since it’s more convenient and hassle-free compared to the legal route. The said practice has been one of the things that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is trying to eliminate since time immemorial. 

The public is encouraged to stop patronizing the services offered by fixers

Although, the LTO has been implementing necessary steps to minimize the reliance on fixers. The problem is that fixers are also evolving and innovating their craft to stay in business.

This is the reason why Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the LTO to investigate online fixers that offer a hassle-free driver’s license application. Tugade shared that online fixers do not require the applicants to take a driver exam or to make a personal appearance at an LTO office to get a driver’s license. The DOTr Secretary encourages the public to stop patronizing the fixer culture.   

“Mali ‘ho ito. Huwag nating tangkilikin ang ganitong sistema at iwasan natin ang ganitong pamamaraan,” Tugade said.

(This is wrong. Let’s not patronize this system and avoid this kind of method.)

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade

Tugade believes that the LTO should team up with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to crack down and apprehend online fixers. He also urged the LTO to simplify the process of getting a driver’s license to encourage the public to not avail of the services offered by fixers.  

“Magbigay tayo ng simpleng panuntunan at pamamaraan sa pagkuha ng lisensya, upang tumalima ang publiko sa tamang proseso at maiwasan ang pagtangkilik sa ilegal na pamamaraan,” Tugade added. 

(Let’s provide simple rules and processes for getting a driver’s license to encourage the public to follow the right way and avoid illegal means.)

One of the steps that the LTO has taken to address the concern is by creating the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). The LTMS is an online portal that intends to provide a more efficient, and seamless way for its clients to avail of its services. The LTO shared that the LTMS now has over a million registered users.

Samantha Marie Legarda is the LTMS Portal's one millionth user

LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante recognized Samantha Marie Legarda, a Batangas resident who registered as the LTMS’ one-millionth user. Legarda was applying for a non-professional driver’s license through the LTMS online portal.  

The LTMS online portal allows anyone to access the several services that the LTO provides. This includes registering and/or renewing a driver’s license, and keeping track of one’s traffic violation tickets. Apart from that, the site also hosts several materials covering traffic laws, road courtesy, information on fines and penalties, among others.

Visit Philkotse.com for more updates on local automotive news.