Nearly a month after arresting a fixer outside the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office along East Avenue in Quezon City, joint forces of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) collared two other fixers in the same area on Monday morning.
According to a report, alias “Rap,” who said he could provide any kind of service pertaining to PSA documents, was arrested after receiving the marked money from an ARTA undercover agent. The other fixer, who was later revealed to be Rap’s cohort, was accosted after he interfered with the arrest.
Investigation showed that the Authority acted on a lead from its entrapment operation in the same area on 8 November 2021.
While conducting surveillance operations, ARTA undercover agents came across Rap who said he could provide any kind of service related to PSA documents, including annotations or changes in the birth certificate. The fixer demanded P1,500 for the service.
The two suspects are now in the custody of CIDG Quezon City District Field Unit for arrest and booking procedures.
Rap may face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 while his cohort may face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1829 or Obstruction of Justice.
The law states that fixers or those who connive with them will face one to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to P2 million.
Erring government workers will also face dismissal from the service, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and denial of retirement benefits.
The Authority encouraged those who have information on fixers to head to the flagship ARTAmbayan Outpost along Magalang Street at Barangay Pinyahan in Quezon City. The said outpost serves as an avenue for the public to relay their concerns on fixing and other forms of red tape. (ARTA) -rir
