THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has initiated an investigation into 160 medical clinics nationwide suspected of issuing medical certificates without conducting proper patient examinations.
Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, LTO chief, stated that the agency has received reports of these clinics engaging in “non-appearance issuance” of medical certificates, essentially selling certifications without requiring a physical checkup.
“It’s very clear that even if you do not undergo a checkup in these clinics, as long as you’re willing to pay, you will be issued medical certificates. This is not right, and we ensure that we will go after them,” Mendoza said in a statement.
The LTO plans to issue show-cause orders to all 160 clinics next week.
A medical certificate is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a driver’s license and can be obtained from LTO-accredited government hospitals or private clinics, often situated near LTO licensing centers.
The LTO’s investigation aims to address concerns about the integrity of the driver’s license application process and ensure road safety.
