Processes at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) such as the application for drivers' license or motor vehicle registration have been made easier in a bid to discourage clients from engaging with “fixers.”

In a statement, LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante said the agency already harmonized these processes to further avoid the proliferation of fixers, especially in this time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic when they have also shifted online.

“Ating inayos at pinabilis ang panuntunan sa aplikasyon ng mga lisensya at reshistro ng mga sasakyan. Hindi na kakailanganin ng serbisyo nitong mga fixer na babayaran n’yo ng pagkamahal-mahal samantalang mas makaka-menos tayo kung susundin natin ang tamang proseso (We have expedited the application process for licenses and vehicle registration. You will no longer need the service of these fixers in exchange for a higher fee. We can save more if we follow the right process),” Galvante said.

Galvante issued the reminder following the arrest of another five fixers in Quezon City last week who offered illegal services to a truck owner for the renewal of its registration at a staggered fee.

The LTO and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) earlier committed to intensify their campaign against fixers, especially those loitering outside the transportation agency's headquarters along East Avenue in Quezon City.

According to ARTA, fixers have been taking advantage of the public's impression that government agencies, including the LTO, are still implementing slow, bureaucratic processes.

For his part, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade cautioned the public against patronizing the fixers outside the LTO compound as well as online since the documents obtained through these individuals are basically counterfeit and invalid.

Tugade also said that motorists caught possessing a fake license or motor vehicle registration will be slapped with stiffer penalties.

“Wag na ‘wag nating tangkilikin ang mga fixer at iwasan natin ang ganitong pamamaraan. Tayo po ay tumalima sa tamang patakaran at sundin ang tamang proseso. Isuplong natin ang korap na sumisira sa maayos nating sistema (Let us not patronize fixers. Let us follow the right policy and the right process. Let us prosecute the corruption that is destroying our orderly system),” Tugade added.