The Straits Times
24/9/05
By Luz Baguioro

A few years ago, officials at the land Transportation Office were left redfaced when local television station showed how a blind man was able to obtain driver's licence.

Despite the embarrasing episode, fixers at the agency continue to enjoy brisk business.Most driver's licence applicants prefer to pay bribes rather than go through the hassle of sitting for a written exam on traffic rules and procedures, a practical exam on driving, a drug test and a police clearance.

Just pay a fixers 1,200 pesos and within an hour, a genuine licence with proper receipt for the driver's fee of 257.80 pesos and a drug test fee of 250 pesos - will be in your hand.

If you have a million pesos to spare, you can buy permit to operate an emission testing center from corrupt officials at DOTC.

The permit will ensure a constant stream of revenue because all vehicles have to pass an annual emission test before their vehicle registration is renewed. But many of these centres, vehicle owners simply cough up a bribe and an emission test fee of 300 pesos and the matter is settled. No need even to take the vehicle down to the centre.

Suspension orders for testing centres caught giving emission test certificates without carrying out actual test can also be lifted in exchange for huge bribes -- of around 100,000 pesos - to higher-up officials.