Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 1) — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has warned accredited doctors and medical clinics that suspension or permanent closure awaits those who issue medical certificates to driver’s license applicants without any physical examination.
LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade said the agency has received reports of “no-show” exams.
“We continue to remind the public that a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle is not a right but a privilege granted by the government,” he said in a statement.
“No one should circumvent the process in the issuance of a driver’s license, and the job of the LTO is to make sure that it is issued only to qualified drivers as part of promoting road safety,” he added.
Undergoing a physical exam is part of the driver’s license application process to determine if the applicant is fit to operate a vehicle.
Tugade cited the 60-day suspension and subsequent closure of K-Shine Medical Clinic in Bacolod City for issuing 186 medical certificates in one day.
The LTO issued a show cause order against the clinic, asking it to explain the number of issued medical certificates, which was perceived to be “statistically improbable.” The clinic’s management, through its legal counsel, explained that it receives a large volume of clients daily, most of whom line up as early as 6:30 a.m.
To confirm the clinic’s claim, an LTO officer posed as a client and tried to secure a medical certificate.
According to the LTO, its officer saw that there were only a few clients and was surprised at the speed a medical certificate was issued, complete with the name and signature of the accredited doctor even without performing physical examination.
This prompted the agency to issue a notice of violation and cease-and-desist order for both the clinic and its doctor.
“My marching orders to all regional and district offices nationwide was to weed out corruption not only in LTO offices themselves but also those in accredited partners like medical clinics, whose services are part of the process for securing driver’s licenses or motor vehicle registration,” Tugade said.
