Authorities arrested a 33-year-old man in Caloocan City for allegedly fixing Land Transportation Office (LTO) licenses in exchange for excessive fees, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
The CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU), together with personnel from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), conducted the operation at around 2:50 p.m. on June 4, 2026, in front of the LTO Caloocan office in Barangay 79.
A report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II identified the suspect as “Mel,” a resident of Barangay Potrero, Malabon City.
The suspect was caught red-handed while allegedly facilitating LTO licenses for a fee. The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by ARTA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division.
Investigation showed that the suspect, who is not an LTO employee, allegedly claimed that he had “connections” inside the agency that could help applicants bypass regular processing lines.
Authorities said the standard government fees for a Student Permit and a Non-Professional Driver’s License are only ₱250 and ₱685, respectively. However, the suspect allegedly charged victims up to ₱7,500 for the illegal “expedited service.”
Recovered from the suspect were the marked buy-bust money, an LTO Non-Professional Driver’s License, and an official receipt.
Morico said the operation was in line with Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which penalizes fixers as part of efforts to eliminate corruption and improve public service delivery.
The primary purpose of RA 11032 is to streamline government processes, eliminate bureaucratic red tape, and eradicate graft and corruption in the Philippines.
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Angelo B. Nicolas, Officer-in-Charge of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit, and ARTA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division for the successful operation.
The operation was the first major result of the recently concluded Coordinating Conference between the CIDG and ARTA, which sought to institutionalize operational intelligence-sharing and synchronize tactical efforts against fixer syndicates nationwide.
The CIDG and ARTA reminded the public that patronizing fixers is a direct violation of the law. Under RA 11032, both the fixer and the client may face criminal liability.
Citizens were urged to transact only through official government counters and digital platforms.
The CIDG and ARTA also reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against red tape and graft, encouraging the public to immediately report fixers, illegal toll charges, or deliberate delays in government transactions to the ARTA hotline or the nearest CIDG office.