The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Quezon City has issued a clear statement to address growing public concerns regarding payment methods at its facilities. In an official announcement released on Tuesday, the agency emphasized that all of its offices are fully authorized to accept multiple modes of payment and are not restricted to online options alone.
LTO Reaffirms Flexible Payment Policies
Responding to feedback from clients across the Philippines, the LTO clarified that there has been no official order or directive to limit transactions to online payment channels. This reassurance comes amid reports from some individuals who expressed confusion or encountered issues when attempting to pay for services using traditional methods.
Authorized Payment Methods Available
The agency specified that all LTO offices, including district offices, extension offices, and allied service providers, are equipped to handle various payment options. Clients retain the full right to choose their preferred method, which includes:
- Cash payments
- Credit or debit card transactions
- Other electronic payment channels as available locally
Any attempt to restrict payment to online-only methods is deemed unauthorized and contrary to established LTO policies. The agency stressed that such practices should be reported immediately to ensure compliance and transparency.
Clarification on Convenience Fees
In addition to addressing payment method concerns, the LTO also clarified the issue of convenience fees associated with some electronic or online payment channels. These fees are not imposed by the LTO itself and do not appear on official LTO receipts.
"These fees are collected by third-party payment service providers to cover the costs of their infrastructure and services," the statement explained. This distinction aims to prevent confusion among clients who might mistakenly attribute additional charges to the government agency.
Reporting Unauthorized Practices
The LTO has encouraged the public to report any instances of unauthorized payment restrictions or unclear charges. Clients can approach LTO personnel directly at any office or use official communication channels, including social media platforms, to voice their concerns.
The agency reiterated its commitment to eliminating fixers and ensuring transparent, efficient transactions for all Filipinos. This clarification serves as part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and maintain public trust in government institutions handling essential transportation matters.
