In line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to hold accountable those who compromise public road safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has launched an investigation into 160 medical clinics nationwide for alleged irregularities in the issuance of medical certificates.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, emphasized that a legitimate medical certificate is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a driver’s license. However, reports have surfaced indicating that several LTO-accredited clinics have been issuing medical certificates without conducting actual physical checkups.
“It’s clear that some of these clinics are issuing certificates to individuals who never even showed up for a medical examination—so long as they’re willing to pay. This is unacceptable, and we will make sure they are held accountable,” said Asec. Mendoza.
According to Mendoza, Secretary Dizon has ordered the LTO to initiate administrative and criminal proceedings against those involved, including doctors who signed off on falsified documents.
Secretary Dizon has previously committed to an aggressive campaign to improve road safety, including stricter enforcement against negligent motorists and upgrading transport infrastructure.
Asec. Mendoza stressed that such practices by medical clinics undermine public safety by allowing unfit individuals to obtain driver’s licenses without proper medical evaluation.
“I have already instructed our regional directors to retrieve all medical certificates issued by these clinics and notify affected license holders to explain their side,” he said.
“If the evidence warrants, we will revoke the accreditation of these clinics and impose a lifetime ban on any future transactions with the LTO,” Mendoza added.
The LTO will begin issuing show cause orders to the 160 implicated clinics starting this week.