DOTr taps another state printing office for driver’s license

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing the government-controlled APO Production Unit Inc. as possible supplier of plastic driver’s license cards, the shortage of which has marred the issuance of driver’s licenses by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In a statement yesterday, the DOTr said Secretary Jaime Bautista “is also looking into discussions with the APO Production Unit” for the supply of cards.

On Wednesday, The STAR reported that Bautista was in discussions with National Printing Office (NPO) director Carlos Bathan for a supply arrangement.

This developed as the LTO has made it clear the extension of the validity of driver’s licenses until Oct. 31 stays.

“The extension in the validity of driver’s license until Oct. 31, 2023 will remain effective so that they apply for the renewal of their license without any penalty,” LTO Strategic Communications Office chief Divine Reyes said.

According to its website, APO Production Unit is under direct supervision of the Office of the President, through the Presidential Communications Office.

Bautista clarified that the discussions with Bathan were “exploratory,” to determine “possible scenarios in the event that their services will be engaged.” But he said Bathan is expected to submit a proposal within the week.

“The Central Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) will require further details before an agency-to-agency arrangement can be finalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, as required under existing laws, rules and regulations,” the DOTr said.

BAC has launched a competitive bidding for the supply of the cards, and set for May 24 this year the opening of the bids. Aside from having competitive bidding for the supply of plastic cards, the DOTr said it is open to partnering with other government agencies for the same endeavor.

With plastic cards in short supply, the LTO earlier said driver’s license may have to be printed on paper.

While talks with the NPO were still exploratory, according to the DOTr, Reyes said they have already inked an agreement for the production initially of five million cards.

“Just like our previous statement, the LTO will wait for the delivery of the supplies of plastic cards to be procured by the DOTr to ensure the continuous production of plastic driver’s license cards,” Reyes said.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade has attributed the shortage of plastic cards and license plates to a DOTr order in January 2023, directing its attached agencies to forward to the central office all procurements of more than P50 million.

Tugade said that the LTO needs at least 30,000 plastic cards daily for the printing of driver’s licenses.

The LTO has also ordered a review of the examination procedures for driver’s license applicants as he acknowledged that the lengthy exam process is one of the reasons why many driver applicants resort to dealing with fixers.

“The instruction I gave to our committee was to compress the exam. This exam reportedly takes about an hour. The agency is now studying how to shorten the exam. I believe that by reducing the exam duration, our applicants will not seek out fixers and will opt to take the exam themselves,” Tugade said.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said there would be no more confiscation of driver’s license for traffic violations in general under the single-ticketing system.

However, driver’s license of motorist would be confiscated if the offender has not paid fines for previous offense or has been apprehended for driving an unregistered vehicle.

Driver’s license would also be confiscated if the holder is involved in an accident, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it added.

Driver’s license would also be confiscated from a habitual traffic violator that has collected 10 demerit points. For traffic violators with 40 demerit points, their license would be cancelled.

Under the single ticketing system, demerit points are given for failure to pay fines within 10 days from apprehension.

Motorists can contest – online or in person – their apprehension within 10 working days at either the MMDA, the LTO or the LGU that issued the violation ticket. — Ghio Ong