Dev Flores

The Philippine Consulate General in Osaka issued an advisory, reminding Filipinos to secure their passports when visiting Osaka and nearby areas.

The statement was made due to reports related to an increasing number of lost passports. 

Based on the report, many passports are left at the counter or the cashier's area. Another factor included is a failure to secure belongings properly in bags.

The PH consulate added that losing a passport can lead to missed flights. Tourists may also experience the time-consuming process for travel documents and pay additional expenses, if needed.

With reports from Zarah

QUEZON CITY - The Land Transportation Office, together with the Philippine National Police and the Quezon City Department of Public Safety, conducted one-time big-time entrapment operations; 39 fixers were nabbed. 

From the LTO Central Office, 24 were reportedly involved fixing operations.

LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao noticed that there are organized groups behind these working fixers.

“Kinuha namin ‘yung identity nila. Sa totoo lang, para malaman natin kung sinu-sino ‘yung mga fixer na ‘yan kasi organized group din sila eh, napansin ko”

[‘We took their identity. In fact, for us to know who those fixers are because they’re also an organized group, I noticed.”]

Additionally, Asec. Lacanilao also mentioned that appear to those fixers have connections and a head boss. 

“May mga iba’t ibang area, napansin ko, parang may mga kone-koneksyon na sila. Parang meron silang pinaka-boss nila”

[“In different areas, I noticed, it seems like they have connections. It seems like they have the head boss.”]

Hence, Asec. Lacanilao will direct the LTO Regional Directors nationwide to implement strict operations against fixers. He also mentioned that RDs submit monthly accomplishment reports regarding fixers-related incident.

“Lahat ‘yan, buong Pilipinas ‘yung mga susunod namin na mga huhulihin, kailangan mag-report ang mga Regional Directors sa buong bansa na kailangang may accomplishment every month.”

[“All of that, nationwide, the next reported incidents, the Regional Directors nationwide must report, it must have an accomplishment every month.”]

With reports from Benedict Samson

The e-trike and e-bike ban on major thoroughfares has been enforced since January 2, 2026.

This stricter enforcement was originally scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2025,  but was postponed to January 2, 2026, due to public concerns and a necessity to conduct an information drive.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has consistently maintained that e-bikes, e-trikes, and other Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) are not allowed on national roads and highways to ensure motorists' safety. 

The LTO continues to implement the ban. Vehicles exceeding 50 kilograms are being cited for violations, while those less than 50 kilograms are advised to use designated e-bike lanes.

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation is still working on finalizing policies regarding registration and licensing requirements for LEV owners.

“Yes, actually nagka-craft na ng bagong policy waiting palang sa signature ng DOTr bago kami maglabas ng memorandum circular that will be based on the craft policy.” LTO Transportation Officer Jerome Rodriguez said in an interview with UNTV

[“Yes, actually, the crafting of new policy is ongoing, still waiting for the signature of DOTr before we release the memorandum circular that will be based on the craft policy.”]

The Land Transportation Office will implement strict enforcement to prevent schemes of fixers in processing driver’s license applications. 

One of the dangerous possibilities of getting involved with a fixer is to be scammed. 

LTO Transportation Officer Jerome Rodriguez cited a case where someone paid ₱3,500.00 to a fixer in exchange for skipping the seminar. 

Drivers who skip these examinations demonstrate an incomplete understanding of traffic laws, which may compromise public safety.

Rodriguez emphasizes that LTO has repeatedly warned applicants not to deal with fixers; but some drivers still admit they gave money to someone.

“We reiterate several times ang dami pang nakapaskil na huwag makipag-connive outside and then doon umaamin yung mga driver na Sir nagbigay ako ng ganito kay ganyan, so technically wala kaming alam kung sino yung tao na iyon.” he said

“We reiterate several times, and many posted notices about not to connive outside,e and then the driver will admit, “Sir, I gave money to this person, and such, so technically we have no idea who that person is.”

The LTO will ensure that applicants will not skip theoretical and practical exams during the driver’s license applications.

With reports from JP

LTO Transportation Officer Jerome Rodriguez confirms that some drivers become complacent with the Pakiusap System, a scheme used to escape from liability linked to traffic violations. 

“Masyado tayong nanghawak doon sa tinatawag na pakiusap system. Kasi po, nagkakaroon po ng entitlement ‘tong ibang driver na pwede namang paki-usapan,” he said

[“We have relied too heavily on the so-called “Pakiusap System.” This creates a sense of entitlement among certain drivers, leading them to believe that they can simply negotiate,”]

Violators are reportedly resorting to the Pakiusap System to avoid being ticketed.

However, if the favor was not given, they would make violent reactions towards the enforcer or on social media.

“May mga driver tayo na kapag hindi napaki-usapan, nagkakaroon ng violent reaction, nagkakaroon ng mga violent comments, even ‘yong iba pino-post pa sa social media pero they are disregarding the fact na lumabag sila.” 

[“We have some drivers whose favor was not given, they’ll have violent reaction, violent comments, some will post on social media, but they are disregarding the fact that they violated.”]

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) admitted that the system for getting a driver’s license was easier in the past.

“Noong mga unang panahon, napakadaling kumuha ng lisensya, napakaraming nakakuha ng lisensya na hindi naman talaga qualified,”

[“Before, it was easy to get a license. Many get the license even though they are not actually qualified.”]

The LTO is currently working to distinguish drivers who are holding a license despite lacking necessary qualifications, such as passing the theoretical and practical examinations.

Rodriguez further stated that individuals who are confirmed unqualified will face a show-cause order and investigation.

With reports from Benedict Samson