Finally, LTO starts releasing driver’s license cards

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 1 yesterday started releasing its backlog of driver’s license cards after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order that stopped the issuance of the cards since 2015.

Charlie del Rosario, LTO administrative officer, said the license cards arrived last week. 

“Our supplies for license cards already arrived at the office but only the backlog, which has three years duration. The new licenses with five years’ term are not yet available. You can now claim your cards at the LTO offices, particularly here in San Fernando,” he told The STAR.

The LTO was barred from issuing licenses in 2015 after the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the bidding process. The Supreme Court then issued a TRO against the supplier.

Del Rosario said the bidding for the procurement of new license cards with five years’ validity is now being conducted.

“We are hoping that by the second quarter of this year, the new license cards will be available because the bidding process will take some time. I think the LTO central office is already preparing the terms of references. So there is no specific timeframe for this activity,” he added.

But Del Rosario could not tell when the vehicle plates will be released because the TRO for these is not yet lifted.  

He said the SC is waiting for COA to decide why it disallowed the issuance of the plates allegedly due to questionable bidding procedure. 

“I think the SC is asking the COA to make its ruling on the matter and from there (decision), the SC will decide as to what action will be taken. Allegedly there is a question on the bidding process,” Del Rosario said.