Two alleged fixers at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in East Avenue, Quezon City were arrested by authorities on Monday morning, Dec. 6, barely a month after the duo was nabbed at the same location.
In a statement, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said a certain "Rap", who claimed he could perform any kind of service pertaining to PSA documents, was arrested after receiving marked money from an ARTA undercover agent.
The other fixer, Rap's cohort, was accosted after he interfered in the operation that was conducted with members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to ARTA, the operation stemmed from a lead that it from its operation in the same area on Nov. 8.
While conducting surveillance operations, ARTA undercover agents came across Rap who offered his services, including annotations or changes in the birth certificate. The fixer demanded P1,500 for the service.
The two suspects were turned over to the CIDG Quezon City District Field Unit for booking procedures.
Rap is facing charges for violation of the Ease of Doing Business Act while his unidentified cohort is facing charges of obstruction of justice.
The law states that fixers or those who connive with them will face one to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to P2 million.
Erring government workers, on the other hand, will face dismissal from the service, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and denial of retirement benefits.
ARTA encouraged those who have information on fixers to head to the flagship ARTAmbayan Outpost along Magalang Street at Barangay Pinayahan in Quezon City and share what they know. The said outpost serves as a venue for the public to relay their concerns on fixing and other forms of red tape.