Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon today issued a stern warning to online scammers and driver’s license fixers, declaring that the government will relentlessly pursue them to dismantle their illegal operations, which not only defraud the public but also critically compromise road safety.
This decisive action follows a direct directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the DOTr, Land Transportation Office (LTO), and other relevant agencies to overhaul the system and prioritize road safety.
“We will apprehend and imprison anyone who posts online scams. You will face a 12-year jail sentence, and if that doesn’t scare you, then just wait to be incarcerated,” Secretary Dizon stated during a press presentation of a recently arrested suspect on Thursday.
The LTO, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), successfully apprehended online scammers involved in the illicit sale of counterfeit driver’s licenses and Person With Disability (PWD) IDs.
Secretary Dizon emphasized the grave danger posed by the proliferation of fake driver’s licenses to unqualified individuals, highlighting its potential to lead to tragic road crash fatalities.
Beyond targeting online fixers, the transport chief also revealed that the LTO has suspended 107 driving schools for involvement in “no show” certificates and non-compliance with the required theoretical driver’s training.
“We are here today to show everyone, especially those like him (scammer) who abuse our countrymen, that they do not realize their actions could potentially kill our fellow citizens on the road,” Secretary Dizon asserted.
This resolute stance by the DOTr and its partner agencies underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to stamping out corruption in the transportation sector and ensuring the safety of all road users.
