What should have been a simple and affordable government transaction turned into a disturbing encounter with alleged corruption, overcharging, and possible fixer operations inside the Land Transportation Office (LTO) located at Gaisano Koronadal.
A law-abiding citizen who recently renewed his driver’s license shared a troubling experience: despite an official receipt showing a renewal fee of only ₱585, he was initially charged ₱1,710—and only recovered the excess after firmly demanding accountability.
This is not just a story of inconvenience. It is a glaring red flag about what may be happening behind the counters of a public office entrusted to serve the people.
“Medical Exam” Without an Exam
The citizen said he was told by an LTO staff member that he only needed a medical certificate and was informed that renewal would cost around ₱1,600. He then paid ₱450 at a medical clinic beside the LTO office.
However, he described the process as alarming:
“There was no actual medical examination. No check-up, no questions—just payment, then I was handed a medical result with pre-filled data, including my weight and height.”
The result? An instant “fit-to-drive” clearance—without any real assessment.
Whispers of ₱2,500 to ₱5,500 Inside the Office
While waiting, he overheard conversations inside the office that raised more concerns. Another applicant reportedly said she was being charged ₱2,500. A senior citizen was allegedly quoted ₱5,500 for a 10-year license, with an option to pay part of the amount first and settle the balance the next day.
These are not small amounts, especially for tricycle drivers, farmers, and daily wage earners who struggle just to put food on the table.
“I thought of the tricycle drivers under the heat and rain, the elderly, and those barely surviving day to day. How can they afford this?” the citizen said.
The Receipt That Told the Truth
When his name was called at Window 3, he was quietly told to pay ₱1,710. He handed over the amount and received his new license. But when he checked the official receipt, it stated clearly:
Paid Amount: ₱585
No explanation. No breakdown. No justification.
When he asked for a receipt for the full amount he paid, he was met with excuses, confusion, and finger-pointing. He was even told to take an online exam to “get back” ₱710—despite never being informed of any exam requirement and never taking one.
It was only when he began recording the interaction and firmly asserted his rights that staff consulted each other. Finally, a cashier instructed:
“Just return it so there will be no more issues.”
He was refunded ₱1,125—the excess amount.
“Simple and Cheap—So Why Make It Expensive?”
The citizen calmly but firmly told the staff:
“The renewal is simple and cheap. Why are you making it expensive? What about those who don’t speak up? Do they just pay whatever you tell them?”
He then walked out.
Inside the office, other clients reportedly smiled, nodded, gave thumbs up, and even quietly applauded—perhaps relieved, perhaps worried about how much they themselves would be charged.
A Systemic Problem, Not an Isolated Case
This incident raises serious questions:
- Why are fees being quoted far above official rates?
- Why are “medical exams” being issued without actual examinations?
- Why is there talk of fixers inside the office when fixers are strictly prohibited?
- And most importantly: how many Filipinos have already been overcharged without knowing their rights?
This is not just about one man and one office. This is about a system where ordinary citizens are vulnerable, and corruption thrives in silence.
The Real Victims: The Poor and the Elderly
For professionals, an extra ₱1,000 may be annoying. For a tricycle driver, a farmer, or a senior citizen, it can mean a day without food.
“I spoke up because I felt sorry for the elderly man. What if that was my father?” the citizen said.
That is the heart of this issue: public service has become a burden instead of a service.
A Call to LTO Central Office and the Department of Transportation
This experience deserves immediate investigation.
The LTO Central Office and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) must:
- Audit the Koronadal office transactions
- Investigate the medical clinics around LTO offices
- Identify and remove fixers, inside and outside
- Discipline personnel involved in irregular collections
- And protect citizens who choose to speak up
Corruption does not always come in millions. Sometimes it comes in ₱1,125 quietly taken from a man who just wants to drive legally.
If We Don’t Speak, Nothing Will Change
The citizen ended his story with a painful truth:
“How can we solve corruption in the Philippines if even in small things, government employees are already corrupt?”
Indeed. If corruption is tolerated in the “small” things, it will only grow bigger.
This is a reminder to every Filipino:
Ask for receipts. Question irregular charges. Speak up.
Because silence is exactly what corruption needs to survive.