By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has arrested an alleged Land Transportation Office (LTO) fixer during an anti-fixing operation in Valenzuela City, following a complaint referred by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Gary,” a 35-year-old resident of Navotas City, was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon in front of the LTO Valenzuela District Office in Barangay Maysan.
According to the CIDG, the operation stemmed from reports that the suspect was offering to expedite the processing of driver’s licenses for an excessive fee while claiming to have contacts inside the LTO.
Investigators said the official processing fee for a driver’s license is P7,500 with a standard processing period of three days. However, the suspect allegedly demanded P8,500 in exchange for releasing the license within one day, claiming he had connections within the LTO who could fast-track transactions.
Authorities said the scheme not only overcharged applicants but also undermined government efforts to eliminate fixers and improve the efficiency and integrity of public services.
The suspect is now under CIDG custody and is set to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which penalizes fixing activities and other forms of red tape in government transactions.
The CIDG urged the public to avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals offering to facilitate government transactions and instead report suspected fixers to law enforcement authorities or the Anti-Red Tape Authority.
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