NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 62 Side Quest Almost Done
On the morning of January 5th, 2024, Michael found himself standing in front of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on East Avenue, Quezon City. The building was imposing, its vast structure dwarfing the early risers queuing at its gates. Michael, there to apply for a student permit as the first step toward obtaining his driver's license, scanned the building's exterior, noting its busy entrance.
As he made his way toward the main door, a man detached himself from the shadows of the morning, his approach casual yet deliberate. "Good morning, sir. Are you here for vehicle registration renewal, or perhaps to obtain a driving license?" he inquired,
his tone smooth and practiced, suggesting familiarity with the process.
Michael paused, slightly wary of the unsolicited offer. "I'm here to apply for a student permit," he replied, maintaining a neutral tone.
The man nodded, leaning in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a confidential secret. "Ah, a student permit, I see. You know, I can assist you with that. I have connections inside who can expedite the process. No need for the usual formalities—direct to a non-professional driver's license for you."
Michael's curiosity was piqued despite his initial hesitation. "And what's the cost for this 'expedited service'?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.
"For you, sir, a total of 15,000 pesos. That covers everything, splitting the cost with my contacts inside. It's a smooth process," the man assured, his smile a little too rehearsed.
Michael weighed the offer momentarily, the ease of the proposed process battling his inner caution. "15,000 pesos, and I skip all the standard procedures? How can I be sure the license won't be counterfeit?"
"Fake?" the man looked genuinely offended for a moment. "Sir, we only provide genuine services. I assure you, there's nothing to worry about."
"Well it would be best if I were to talk to the top brass of the LTO, that way I can assure myself that getting a driver's license is real."
"You talking to the top brass? Are you out of your mind young man?" The man exclaimed again, ludicrously.
"Yes…I am out of my mind. Which is why I'm going inside that building right now." When Michael did that, he was stopped by the guard on the main entrance.
"Oops, you have to get in line there, sir," the guard said, pointing his finger to the long queue at the end of the line that had formed at the side of the building. The line snaked around the corner, filled with individuals of various ages, all waiting for their turn to enter the LTO.
"Well, I'm here to meet the National Capital Region Regional Director, tell him that I have something important to tell. And say that he won't be able to deny me or else—" Michael trailed off, figuring that telling the guard won't progress things. So he picked up his phone and dialed the number of the National Capital Region Regional Director.
The phone rang several times until it was received.
"Hello, who is this?" said the man from the other end of the line.
"Goodmorning, I'm a concerned citizen. I want to get a driver's license in the main office and I figure that approaching you would be the best and secure way of attaining it." Prior to this day, Michael decided to turn to the fixers so he could get his driver's license in the fastest time possible. However, he also realized that there is another faster way of getting a license, and this is from one of the top brass of the LTO. The name of the National Capital Region Regional Director is Rodrigo Mu?oz. "I don't have time for this nonsense—you better hang up this phone or else—"
"If you hang up on me, I'm going to tell the public what happened on the date of April 17th, 2023. Five million pesos, location Tomas Morato." There was a moment of silence between them, and he could hear Rodrigo heavy breathing. He had been researching the director before getting here. One particularly damning secret that Michael stumbled upon was Mu?oz's involvement in a scheme to fraudulently issue driver's licenses to individuals who had not passed the required tests.
Mu?oz had arranged a clandestine meeting with a group of wealthy individuals who sought to obtain driver's licenses for their sons and relatives, without bothering with the hassle of examinations. In exchange for hefty bribes totaling five million pesos which was divided further as hush money. "Okay…where are you?" Rodrigo asked.
"I'm in the main office, East Ave. Look to make sure I don't look suspicious. I will join the line and wait for my turn. But as soon as I'm inside, I want to be directed to your office. I have evidence regarding certain irregularities within the LTO that I believe you would want to address."
There was a moment of hesitation on Rodrigo's end before he responded, "Fine, I'll see you in my office. Don't make a scene."
With that, Michael hung up, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. He had successfully maneuvered his way into a meeting with Rodrigo Mu?oz, armed with the leverage he needed to ensure his cooperation.
As Michael joined the line, his mind raced with anticipation. He knew that confronting Rodrigo directly was a risky move, but it was a gamble he was willing to take. With the evidence he possessed, he held the power to force Rodrigo's hand and secure his own driver's license without the long bureaucracies like he has to wait for a month. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Michael reached the front of the line and was granted entry into the LTO office. Keeping a low profile, he navigated through the bustling corridors with some escorts until he reached Rodrigo's office.
Knocking on the door, Michael entered, meeting Rodrigo's gaze with unwavering determination. Without preamble, he laid out the evidence before Rodrigo, detailing the illicit transactions and corruption that had tainted the LTO's integrity.
Rodrigo's expression darkened as he reviewed the documents, his hands trembling slightly. It was clear that Michael's allegations struck a nerve.
After a tense moment of silence, Rodrigo spoke, his voice strained with resignation. "What do you want?"
Michael's gaze hardened as he made his demands clear. "I want my driver's license expedited without any further delays or complications. I need it right now. It must not be fake or otherwise I'll release this to the public and you can say goodbye to your position." "Okay…should I give you what you need, how are you going to ensure you won't disclose this information to anyone?" Rodrigo asked cautiously.
"Oh don't worry, I have nothing to gain if I were to release this to the public after you fulfill my request. It's so simple as keeping a secret can be, especially when it involves something as sensitive as this."
"Okay…I'm going to give you what you want." ***
Three hours later. Michael had his own driver's license, printed on paper.
"Yup, the side quest is almost done."