In a recent development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to strictly implement its policies against dealers who are unable to quickly release motor vehicle plates.
During a sectoral meeting with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTO, President Marcos emphasized the need for strict adherence to policies to ensure a zero backlog on new license plates for motor vehicles. “Let’s be strict about this,” the President told LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza.
Mendoza informed the President that they have already addressed the backlog of 245,975 pairs for the new license plates of four-wheeled motor vehicles. He added that most of the license plates are currently in the possession of car dealers who have yet to turn them over to their customers.
The LTO has already issued around 130 show cause orders to dealers to explain their failure to deliver the license plates to their respective buyers. Mendoza also mentioned that they had met with motorcycle traders and agreed to strictly follow the 11-day period to release the license plates to their buyers from the date of purchase.
Mendoza further stated, “Our commitment to our dealers is that once you submit your documents to us, we must release the plates, OR/CR, and RFID within five days.” He added that there is no reason why motorcycle riders should not be able to get their plates on time.
To facilitate this process, the LTO has launched a hotline number (09292920865) where motorcycle riders can report their erring traders should they fail to comply with the 11-day period for the release of the plates.
This move by the President and the LTO is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the release of motor vehicle plates, thereby promoting better service delivery to the public.