LTO fixer nabbed in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected fixer was arrested by agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) during an entrapment operation outside the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Caloocan City.

The suspect, identified only as alias Mel, 33, of Malabon, was allegedly caught facilitating the processing of driver’s licenses in exchange for excessive fees.

According to the CIDG, the operation on June 4 stemmed from a complaint filed by ARTA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division.

Investigators said the suspect, who is not an LTO employee, claimed to have connections within the agency that could speed up the processing of licenses.

Authorities said the suspect charged clients up to P7,500 for an expedited transaction, despite government fees amounting to only P250 for a student permit and P685 for a non-professional driver’s license.

Recovered from the suspect were marked money used in the operation, an LTO non-professional driver’s license and an official receipt.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the operation was conducted in line with Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Morico said the arrest was the first major result of strengthened coordination between the CIDG and ARTA aimed at dismantling fixers.

Authorities reminded the public that both fixers and those who avail themselves of their services may face criminal liability, and urged citizens to transact only through official government channels.