The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Anti-Red Tape Authority arrested three suspected fixers accused of charging motorists inflated fees for the expedited processing of Land Transportation Office license cards and related documents in Manila and Quezon City.
The CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit, together with ARTA and LTO personnel, carried out simultaneous operations on June 29, 2026, at the LTO Manila West District Office in España, Sampaloc, Manila, and near the LTO Main Office along East Avenue in Barangay Pinyahan, Diliman, Quezon City.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert AA Morico II said the operations stemmed from a report and complaint endorsed by ARTA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division on alleged fixing activities involving LTO transactions conducted through online and direct arrangements.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly recruited clients by offering faster processing through supposed connections inside the LTO. Instead of paying standard government fees, clients were allegedly charged much higher amounts in exchange for promised “fast lane” service.
At around 3:30 p.m., authorities arrested two suspects identified only as “Sam,” a woman, and “Kim,” a man, during an entrapment operation at the LTO Manila West District Office.
The two allegedly processed an LTO student permit outside the official fees and standard processing period. The CIDG said a student permit normally takes three days to process and costs P850, but the suspects allegedly offered its release in one day for P2,000.
At around 6:10 p.m., authorities arrested another suspect, identified only as “Jer,” beside the LTO Main Office in Quezon City.
Jer was allegedly caught facilitating the processing of a driver’s license, which was promised to be released in one day through alleged internal contacts for P7,500. The CIDG said the standard processing period for a driver’s license is three days, with a fee of P1,600.
Further investigation showed that one of the arrested suspects allegedly admitted being in contact with an LTO employee who helped facilitate expedited transactions in exchange for excessive fees.
Morico said the operations were conducted in line with Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which penalizes fixers in government agencies.
The CIDG said the law seeks to streamline government transactions, eliminate red tape, and curb graft and corruption in public service.
Morico commended PLtCol. Angelo B. Nicolas, officer-in-charge of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit, as well as ARTA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division and the LTO, for the successful operations.
The CIDG said the operation reflects continuing coordination with ARTA to strengthen intelligence sharing and synchronize enforcement efforts against fixer syndicates nationwide.
Authorities reminded the public that dealing with fixers is illegal and that both fixers and clients may face criminal liability under RA 11032.
They urged citizens to transact only through official government counters and digital platforms, and to report fixers, illegal charges, or deliberate delays in government transactions to the ARTA hotline or the nearest CIDG office.