Driving Schools Face Closure Amid Crackdown
At least 205 driving schools are now at risk of shutting down as authorities intensify their campaign against illegal activities. Meanwhile, 88 local officials from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are being scrutinized for anomalies related to the issuance of driving certificates. These measures highlight the government’s firm stance on ensuring road safety and compliance.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza revealed that the 88 district heads will receive Notice to Explain (NTE) for allegedly allowing or ignoring irregularities within their jurisdictions. These include issuing theoretical and practical driving certificates without the applicants completing required courses and manipulating system access to upload certificates beyond daily limits.
Key Violations in Driving Schools
Among the offenses found were tampering with the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) to upload more Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificates than allowed. Some schools also issued certificates despite incomplete training hours or without the applicant’s presence. Since these certificates are essential for driver’s license applications, these violations compromise public safety.
“We already issued a warning before that we have zero tolerance on wrongdoings because what is being compromised here are the lives of road users,” Mendoza stated firmly.
Government Support and Actions
Last month, over 100 driving schools faced suspension for similar offenses. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has expressed full support for the LTO’s crackdown on all forms of anomalies. Starting last week, the agency has aggressively targeted erring personnel, driving schools, and other entities involved in fraudulent activities.
On June 6, Mendoza announced that approximately 40 LTO district heads were asked to justify their actions concerning illegal transfers of confiscated motor vehicles. A day later, the LTO planned to issue show-cause orders against 160 medical clinics for issuing medical certificates without proper applicant evaluation.
“Our aggressive campaign against these people will continue. This should serve as a stern warning to those who are still engaged in these kinds of illegal activities to do the right thing, otherwise, we will run after you,” Mendoza warned.
These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to uphold road safety and ensure that all driving credentials are legitimate. Driving schools and officials found violating these standards face severe penalties, including closure and dismissal.
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