MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II on Tuesday reminded motorists not to deal with fixers when transacting with the agency.
The reminder was issued following the arrest of two alleged fixers, identified as Teresita dela Cruz and Kathleen Joy dela Cruz, in Quezon City on Monday, April 1.
“We would like to remind the public again that our transaction in the LTO is already fast. So please do not be fooled by the sweet words of these fixers,” Mendoza said in a statement.
“This should also send a strong message that the LTO is serious in its goal of weeding out fixers and scammers using our agency,” he added.
Teresita and Kathleen, who are sisters, were arrested after a joint entrapment operation by the LTO, the Quezon City Police District and the Special Project Group of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
According to the LTO, the entrapment operation stemmed from the complaint of a supposed victim who said that the duo did not deliver on their promise regarding the issuance of his driver’s license.
The complainant paid P6,800 to the sisters but was forced to seek assistance from the police after another P1,350 was demanded.
“During the investigation, the victim said he was convinced to deal with the suspects after they claimed that they have strong connections inside the LTO Central Office,” the LTO statement said.
The sisters are detained at QCPD Station 10 in Kamuning and are facing formal complaints.
The LTO previously issued a memorandum which reminded its field offices to clamp down on fixers.