By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) cracked down on its accredited doctors and medical clinics which are allegedly issuing medical certificates without conducting the required physical, visual and auditory tests in applying for a driver’s license.

Assistant Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan and Legal Section Chief Atty. Tanya Lynne Diestro of LTO-6, acted as poseur-client last November 22 at a medical clinic inside a mall in Bacolod City.

The officials were able to secure a medical certificate after paying P400 to a staff, without the need for a physical examination.

Following the incident, LTO-6 issued a notice of violation/cease and desist order against the management of the clinic.

Based on the copy of the LTO order, they have noted that the staff allegedly proceeded to the computerized medical examination without actually examining the client.

Meanwhile, the accredited physician could face administrative action for “wrong and unprofessional conduct.”

The LTO-6 again reminded its accredited doctors and clinics in the region to follow protocols and physically examine their clients first before issuing certificates.

They added the incident is “seriously affecting the LTO’s policy of producing quality drivers,” and they gave a stern warning that it will not be tolerated./DGB, WDJ