The LTO has been finding a lot of ways to make its services more accessible and affordable. After standardizing fees for Theoretical Driving Courses and the ultimate goal of lowering prices for Student Permits and Driver’s Licenses, the agency has looked into medical examination fees. These medical exams are a prerequisite for getting permits and licenses, and a new price cap has just been set for this service.
LTO sets PHP 300 as maximum amount for medical examinations
Photo: LTO
A lot of clamors from the public was about the affordability of the LTO’s and its accredited partners’ service costs. Having addressed other facets, the accompanying medical exam fees have also been remedied, with the agency setting a maximum amount of PHP 300, which can also be lower.
“Hindi po natin maisasantabi ang maraming reklamo kaugnay ng sobrang mahal ng pagkuha ng medical certificate na ang iba ay nagbabayad ng PHP 500 hanggang PHP 700. Mabigat na ang halaga na ito para sa ating mga ordinaryong mamamayan [We cannot ignore the complaints about how expensive a medical certificate is, with some paying PHP 500 to PHP 700. This is a big amount for a normal citizen],” said LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade.
In a Memorandum Circular from (now former) LTO Chief Tugade, the new maximum prescribed rate is, again, PHP 300 per transaction of every driver-applicant. This new policy covers all LTO-accredited medical clinics and health facilities that carry out medical, physical, optical, and other tests that are needed for applying for a Student Permit, new applications and renewals of non-professional and conductor’s licenses, and upgrading from non-pro to professional licenses as well.
Those caught not complying face the suspension of their accreditation for 90 days along with a PHP 10,000 fine. A second office will merit a 180-day suspension with a PHP 15,000 penalty, and a subsequent violation will result in a revocation of accreditation and perpetual disqualification from being re-accredited.
All of these follow the signing of Memorandum Circular 2018-2157 which allows the regulation and monitoring of whether or not medical examination fees are justifiable. It does not, however, state the imposition of a maximum amount for the service.
The Memo states “Accredited medical clinics have several variances of fees and charges causing discrepancy of rates. For standardization, the LTO deemed it proper and necessary to set the specific maximum medical examination fees to be charged from driver-applicant by accredited medical clinics.”
Photo: Estancia at Capitol Commons
This new rate will be effective 15 days after the policy has been published in any national publication or after a Certified Copy has been submitted to the Office of the National Registry in UP Law Center in Diliman, Quezon City. “Hindi po tumitigil ang inyong LTO sa mga pag-aaral upang maihatid sa publiko ang pinabilis, pinaginhawa, at abot-kayang mga serbisyo [Your LTO does not stop in its efforts to bring faster, more convenient, and more affordable services to the public],” LTO Chief Tugade reiterated.
Cheers to better-priced services for one and all!
