- The Land Transportation Office has set the cost of medical examination for driver's license and student permit application to a maximum rate of PHP300 in its accredited medical clinics. In a statement Monday, outgoing LTO chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade said the move is in response to complaints about the high prices of medical exams which cost between PHP500 and PHP700. 'Mabigat na ang halaga na ito para sa ating mga ordinaryong mamamayan (This is a huge amount for ordinary citizens),' Tugade said. Health facilities and medical clinics found violating the order face suspension of their accreditation for 90 days and fine of PHP10,000 for the first offense. For the second offense, violators face a 180-day suspension and PHP15,000 fine and perpetual disqualification for the third offense. Under Memorandum Circular 2018-2157 signed on Nov. 27, 2018, the agency can regulate medical examination fees although the maximum amount is not stated. '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,' the circular read. The new memorandum circular signed by Tugade takes effect 15 days after its national publication
Source: Philippines News Agency