The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended two driving schools in Tarlac and Quezon for issuing fraudulent theoretical driving course (TDC) and practical driving course (PDC) certificates.
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II warned driving schools and accredited medical clinics to stop engaging in illegal activities and allowing non-appearance of clients that would compromise road safety.
The agency suspended the operation of the MCSY Driving School based in San Sebastian, Tarlac and I-Summit Driving Academy in Lucena City, Quezon for 30 days over their alleged involvement in the fraudulent issuance of driving certificates.
Mendoza earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the fraudulent issuance of TDC and PDC certificates after receiving information about the modus of several erring driving schools and accredited medical clinics related to the fraudulent issuance of medical certificates.
“This is part of our aggressive campaign against fixers. We cannot allow this modus operandi to happen because what is at stake are the safety of road users,” he said.
LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Rene Melitante ordered the immediate deployment of undercover clients to target the two driving schools.
“We already issued a show-cause order to these two driving schools to demand their explanation why they should not be punished for violating the provisions of the accreditation given to them,” Mendoza said.
The aggressive campaign against errant driving schools is part of the instruction of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to ensure that only qualified people are given driver’s licenses as part of his advocacy for road safety.
“This action should serve as a stern warning against driving schools and accredited medical clinics to do what is right. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to cancel their operation because what is at stake here are the life and limb of all road users,” Mendoza said.
He vowed to conduct more operations and investigation.
