A network of digital advocates commended the Land Transportation Office for intensifying its campaign against fixers in the National Capital Region.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that enforcement efforts must be complemented by the full digitalization of LTO services.
“To decisively eliminate fixers, the LTO must accelerate full digitalization of its services. This includes end-to-end online transactions, real-time application tracking, cashless and traceable payments, and automated verification systems that minimize human intervention. Digital systems must be designed not only for convenience, but as safeguards against corruption,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo emphasized that digitalization must be implemented with reliability and accessibility at its core.
“Equally important is ensuring system reliability and accessibility. If digital platforms charge unnecessary fees, or are slow, unavailable, or difficult to use, the public will continue to turn to fixers—whether offline or online,” he added.
He also urged stronger internal accountability mechanisms within the LTO, including data-driven monitoring to detect irregular transaction patterns and stricter sanctions against personnel found to be complicit in fixing activities.
“The fight against fixers will not be won through periodic crackdowns alone. It requires a structural shift toward a transparent, efficient, and fully digital system where opportunities for manipulation are eliminated. While enforcement operations are necessary, they address only the symptoms of the problem,” Gustilo said.
“Fixing persists because of systemic inefficiencies—long queues, unclear processes, discretionary approvals, and limited transparency. These gaps create an environment where fixers thrive by offering speed, certainty, and access. Digitalization can help resolve most, if not all, of these issues,” he added.
Gustilo also commended the LTO leadership for leveraging digital platforms in its enforcement efforts.
“The direction of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao in utilizing digital technology—not only for information campaigns but also for enforcement—is laudable. At a time when most Filipinos are active on social media, we should maximize its use to crowdsource reports against reckless drivers and traffic violators. The LTO leadership is moving in the right direction,” he said.
