Quezon, Tarlac driving schools suspended for fraud

MANILA, Philippines — Two driving schools in Quezon and Tarlac have been suspended for allegedly issuing fraudulent certificates, according to the Land Transportation Office.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II yesterday said the MCSY Driving School in San Sebastian, Tarlac and I-Summit Driving Academy in Lucena, Quezon were suspended for 30 days for allegedly issuing fraudulent certificates for theoretical and practical driving courses.

Mendoza warned driving schools and LTO-accredited medical clinics to refrain from engaging in illegal activities that may compromise road safety.

He ordered a thorough investigation on the matter after receiving reports about the illegal activities  of some driving schools.

Mendoza said the investigation will cover LTO-accredited medical clinics suspected of  issuing fraudulent health certificates in exchange for a fee.

“This is part of our aggressive campaign against fixers. We cannot allow this scheme because what is at stake is the safety of road users,” Mendoza said.

Certificates for completion of theoretical and practical driving courses are requirements for the issuance of a driver’s license.

“This action should serve as a warning against driving schools and accredited medical clinics to do what is right. We will not hesitate to cancel their permits to operate because what is at stake here is the life and limb of all road users,” Mendoza said.

LTO intelligence and investigation division chief Renante Melitante said the agency deployed undercover agents to catch erring driving schools.

Melitante said one of their undercover agents obtained a theoretical driving course certificate from the MCSY Driving School without attending the course. 

He said another LTO undercover agent was able to secure a practical driving course certificate from the I-Summit Driving Academy without completing the required driving hours and attending a seminar on road safety.