RMA asks public to be wary of online scams

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City’s Road Management Authority has echoed the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) call to the public be vigilant against online scammers.

RMA, formerly the Cebu City Traffic Office, noted in an announcement that a text message has been circulating, informing the recipients of apparent traffic violations said to be from a “no contact apprehension system”.

RMA clarified that it is not from them and that the city is not implementing a no contact apprehension system.

“Presently, the RMA is NOT IMPLEMENTING A NO CONTACT APPREHENSION SYSTEM, as the same is not provided under City Ordinance No. 801 - “Traffic Code of the City of Cebu,” RMA’s announcement reads.

RMA’s assistant head Kent Jongoy shared to The Freeman that he knows of a friend who received a message from online scammers.

“It may be funny but I think it needs the media’s intervention - through dissemination. Many have received this message and I hope not all were fooled of their unscrupulous means,” Jongoy said.

RMA is set to refer the matter to the concerned agencies for their appropriate actions.

Further, the LTO is also encouraging road users to report online scammers and abusive motorists through their new hotline under the ‘Aksyon on the Spot’ program.

Road users are encouraged to send a text to 09292920865 if they encounter traffic-related scams or abusive and erring motorists on the road.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating hotline, mabilis na matutugunan ng inyong LTO ang mga reklamo ng ating mga kababayan laban sa mga online scammers at mga pasaway na motorista,” said LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.

“We encourage the public to inform us of any abusive behaviors on the road at kami na po ang bahala sa aksyon,” said Mendoza in a statement.

With the hotline, a quick response is expected from the government in line with the instruction of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to ensure safety of all road users.

“Kaya mula sa mga simpleng mga paglabag sa batas trapiko hanggang sa road rage at maging ang paggamit ng wang-wang na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ngayon ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. under the Bagong Pilipinas, makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan ng mabilis na tugon mula sa inyong LTO, mula sa inyong pamahalaan,” Mendoza added.

“Aksyon on the Spot” stickers will also be distributed to motorists, especially those who will be renewing the license registration of their respective motor vehicles for information dissemination.

The purpose, he said, is to take advantage of the feature of the hotline which also carries a QR code that will provide access to the complainants to formally lodge their concerns.

“Tinitiyak namin sa ating mga kababayan na anumang impormasyon na ibibigay sa atin sa pamamagitan ng ating hotline ay ituturing na confidential at protektado ng ating Data Privacy law,” said Mendoza.

LTO is also set to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the enforcement and other law enforcement actions that will be received through the “Aksyon on the Spot” hotline.