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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Kaya maraming kamote?': 160 clinics face closure for non-appearance medical certificate modus for DL applicants

'Kaya maraming kamote?': 160 clinics face closure for non-appearance medical certificate modus for DL applicants

Published Jun 7, 2025 12:24 pm  |  Updated Jun 7, 2025 01:15 pm

At least 160 medical clinics nationwide are facing closure for alleged involvement in non-appearance issuance of medical certificates that are used as a requirement for applying driver’s license at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).  

Aside from closure, LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said they will also be filing appropriate criminal and administrative charges against those involved in the modus, which he described as compromising road safety.

“Our DOTr (Department of Transportation) Secretary Vince Dizon also ordered us to run after the physicians whose signatures appear in the non-appearance medical certificates,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza said all the 160 medical clinics nationwide will start receiving show cause orders this week. 

Mendoza explained that such a modus is dangerous since the issuance of a driver's license is always connected to road safety.

The modus was exposed after Mendoza received reports of the non-appearance issuance of medical certificates and ordered the confirmation from the agency’s intelligence operatives.

“It appears that even if a person would not show up in the clinics, for as long as he is willing to pay, could be issued with medical certificates. This is illegal and we assure the public that we will run after these people,” said Mendoza.

He said the modus of the medical clinics clearly compromised road safety since there is no actual check-up for applicants of driver’s license.

“I have already ordered the respective regional directors to retrieve all the medical certificates issued by these medical clinics and to inform those who were issued with driver’s license through questionable medical certificates to explain,” said Mendoza.

“If evidence warrants, we will revoke the accreditation of these medical clinics and impose a lifetime ban against them for any transaction with the LTO in the future,” he added. 

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