LTO suspends 12 driving schools for alleged certification irregularities

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has temporarily suspended 12  accredited driving schools and their instructors in Metro Manila over alleged irregularities in issuance of certifications. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the LTO said it issued show cause orders to the driving schools where they are expected to submit their written explanations after five days.

The agency said that all 12 schools and instructors are placed under preventive suspension for 30 days. 

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“Preliminary findings indicate that the schools reportedly issued certificates to students who did not undergo or complete the mandatory eight (8) hours of practical driving instruction,” the LTO said. 

The office noted that the acts “constitute violations of LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2023-2460, including fraud, misrepresentation and non-compliance with established regulations.”

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

However, the LTO did not disclose the names of the driving schools and the instructors.

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Pending investigation, the driving schools and instructors are prohibited from conducting driving activities and accessing the Land Transportation Management System for processing or issuance of certificates until there is a final decision or if the suspension has been lifted or modified.

The LTO warned that non-compliance with the submission of explanations will waive their rights to be heard and the committee concerned will proceed with the case using available records. /apl