Three more driving schools in Metro Manila and Cavite were suspended for 30 days for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent issuance of the requirements needed for the application of a driver’s license.
LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza said that a Show Cause Order was also issued to the driving schools based in Caloocan City, Las Piñas City and Silang town of Cavite for them to explain why they should not be punished for activities that are equivalent to fixing.
The suspension of the operations of the three driving schools came a few days after Mendoza also ordered the suspension of driving schools in Lucena City and Tarlac for the same offense.
Based on the investigation, all the five driving schools were issuing certificates for Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC) even if the required hours and training were not met—and even if their clients would not appear for training for as long as payment is made.
The two documents are the major requirements in the application for a driver’s license.
“This illegal practice is dangerous. It must be stopped since those who were issued with fraudulent driver’s licenses would most likely endanger the lives of road users for lack of proper training and education,” said Assec Mendoza.
In the SCO signed by Greg Pua, Jr., chairman of the LTO-Central Accreditation Committee on Driving Institutions, the three driving schools were asked to explain in writing why they should not be punished on the existing LTO rules, particularly the LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2023-2460, or the Revised Omnibus Guidelines on the Accreditation, Supervision, and Control of Driving Institutions, and Standardization of Driver and Conductor's Education.
“You are directed to submit your verified answer within five (5) days of receipt of this Order, providing an explanation why no disciplinary action should be taken against your driving school,” the SCO read.
“Failure to submit your verified answer within the specified timeframe will result in an ex parte proceeding. Non-compliance will be construed as a waiver of your right, leading this Committee to resolve the case based on the available records,” it added.