Mandaue LTO halt in license processing questioned

CEBU, Philippines - Stakeholders of Land Transportation Office are asking why the Mandaue City Licensing Center is still not accepting new driver's license applications since June last year.

Applicants from Mandaue City have to go to other LTO offices such as in Talisay and Danao to take written and practical examinations to get their driver's licenses.

The group, led by Dr. Danilo Dionson, an accredited LTO physician, said they are expecting the LTO acting regional director, Alita Pulga, to lift the order when she assumed office in August last year but it did not happen.

"Applicants within Mandaue City and neighboring towns are inconvenienced, missing their jobs and studies," read a letter addressed to Pulga dated December 15, 2016 signed by around 45 stakeholders led by Dionson.

They are asking Pulga for a copy of the order stopping or preventing Mandaue LTO to process and conduct examinations for new applicants for non-professional and professional driver's licenses.

On March 9, 2011, former LTO-7 director Raul Aguilos issued a cease and desist order to Mandaue City Licensing Center for the acceptance and processing of new drivers' licenses.

The City Council on April 6, 2011 passed a resolution sponsored by former councilor Jimmy Lumapas requesting the LTO-7 chief to recall the order.

Dionson said the order was lifted during the time of former LTO-7director Arnel Tancinco and Pulga as acting regional director.

Dionson said they were disappointed when Pulga re-implemented the order last June, prompting them to ask for a copy of the new order.

"We are opposing your retirement clearance and application as LTO-7 regional director because your memo/order are unseen, unjustifiable and to be reported to President Duterte," the letter further reads. 

Pulga cannot be reached for comment as of last night.

Pulga earlier announced the transfer of the LTO Mandaue from Barangay Looc to its Motor Vehicle Inspections Service in Subangdaku which the stakeholders are also opposing. (FREEMAN)