By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) intensified campaign against fixers got a big boost with the conviction of six individuals by two separate courts in Cagayan province.
In a statement on Wednesday, the LTO said Rufelyn Bayaca was convicted in all four cases filed before a court in Gataran town, Cagayan — including falsification of public documents and violation of the Anti-Red Tape Law, or Republic Act 9845.
On the other hand, Mirasol Ramos, Elvira Donato, Elsie Ramos, Jesie Macapulay, and Jenno Bruar were convicted of three criminal charges filed against them before a court in Tuao town, Cagayan in connection with illegal LTO transactions.
All six were meted with a maximum sentence of three-year imprisonment and at least PHP5,000 in fines for each offense.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II commended LTO personnel in Cagayan who were involved in the intensified anti-fixer operation.
“I commend all our personnel in Cagayan for their anti-fixer efforts—from the arrest to the conviction of these people. Talagang tinutukan nila ang kasong ito at nagbunga naman ito ng conviction (They really watched over these case that resulted in a conviction),” Mendoza said.
“Let this serve as a warning to the fixers that we will be relentless in running after you. Titiyakin namin na talagang magsisisi kayo sa maling gawain na pinasukan ninyo (We will make sure you’ll regret your illegal activities),” he said.
He added that several LTO employees have also been arrested or are under investigation for conniving with fixers.
He called on the public to refrain from accepting the services of fixers as transactions with the LTO are now faster and easier.
“Huwag ninyong hayaan na ma-scam kayo ng mga taong ito (Don’t let these people scam you),” he said. (PNA)
