“P25,000 in a day? Manipis ‘yan (That’s chicken feed), Ma’am,” Kuya Jeff, not his real name, opened up about how much money he was earning as a driver’s license fixer not too long ago.
For six months, the 32-year-old man engaged in illegally helping individuals obtain a driver’s license by offering shortcuts to bypass the standard processes such as written tests, practical exams, or long wait times.
For a fee, fixers use their connections with insiders in the licensing system to fast-track applications. With the short stint, Kuya Jeff earned a lot of money and purchased three cars but was eventually caught and terminated from his job.
During a long ride through Manila’s chaotic traffic—heightened by the looming Christmas rush—I struck up a conversation Kuya Jeff, who is now a ride-hailing app driver. What began as a casual banter turned into an eye-opening exchange. He revealed that after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and passing the civil service examination, Kuya Jeff was a proud government employee. That was until he got entangled in what he described as a deeply-rooted and systemic form of corruption. I was taken aback, but his honesty about his life lessons intrigued me.
Now earning just a fraction of what he used to earn as a fixer, Kuya Jeff told me he had learned valuable lessons from his past mistakes. With his permission to share his story, though under the condition of anonymity, I promised Kuya Jeff that his experiences would remain a story of growth rather than shame. Here are some of his realizations.
1. Never engage in anything illegal
The first lesson he shared was simple yet profound: don’t get involved in illegal activities, no matter how easy or tempting they seem. His role as a fixer involved working with people who wanted to bypass the proper process of obtaining a driver’s license. For a fee, Kuya Jeff could ensure they would get their license without the hassle of exams or waiting in line. “Madali ang pera (Money was easy),” he admitted, but his actions eventually caught up with him. Kuya Jeff was audited, investigated, and fired.
That moment was a turning point in his life. He realized the fleeting nature of money earned from dishonest work and the long-term consequences it brings. “It [The money] was not worth the risks,” he said.
2. Be mindful of your spending
During his time as a fixer, Kuya Jeff earned more than he ever thought possible. He described the thrill of “feasting” on sudden wealth—lavish dinners, drinking sessions with friends, gifts for friends and family, and excessive spending. But his newfound riches disappeared as quickly as they came.
“Nagpaka-‘overnight millionaire’ ako” [I acted as an overnight millionaire],” he said with regret. He learned the hard way that being generous without thinking about the future leads to long-term struggles.
Now, he emphasized the importance of investing wisely and living within your means. His voice was full of conviction.
3. Slow but steady wins the race
Leaving the fixer life meant starting over. Driving for a ride-hailing app wasn’t as easy, but it was honest and steady. He learned to appreciate the value of slow, consistent effort over quick, ill-gotten gains. The pride he now feels in earning money legally far outweighs the fleeting satisfaction of easy cash.
4. Corruption is deeply rooted, but change starts with you
Kuya Jeff also reflected on the larger issue of corruption. “Malalim na ang corruption doon, Ma’am [Ma’am, corruption is deeply-rooted],” he said, referring to government agencies. Yet, Kuya emphasized that eradicating it starts with individual choices. By refusing to engage in corrupt practices, no matter how systemic they seem, each of us can contribute to meaningful change.
5. “Kapag pala ang pera galing sa masama, madaling mawala.” (If money comes from doing wrong, it won’t stay with you for long.)
Finally, he shared an important truth: money earned through dishonest means vanishes quickly. Whether it’s through unforeseen expenses, poor financial decisions, or simply bad luck, ill-gotten gains are never a foundation for lasting security. Kuya Jeff blamed his series of misfortunes on karma or the idea that what goes around comes around.
As our conversation ended, I reflected on the wisdom he had gained. His story is a reminder to put a premium on doing what is right in a reality where temptations abound. Most importantly, it’s a call to live honestly, knowing that the true rewards of life come from integrity and effort.
Kuya Jeff’s story left me with hope—not just for individuals like him who have turned their lives around, but for a struggling society like ours. That is something we can still fix, one small act of honesty at a time.
