LTO vows to address backlog on license cards, plates

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office yesterday issued more than 100 show-cause orders to vehicle dealers who failed to release license plates to motorists within the prescribed period as the LTO vowed to eliminate backlog in its transactions.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said a vehicle buyer should be able to get his or her license plate, official receipt or certificate of registration (OR/CR) and Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) sticker within 11 days.

Mendoza said the LTO has committed to release to the dealers the license plates, OR/CR and RFID sticker within five days from the submission of documents.

The LTO aims to eliminate the backlog on license plates of four-wheeled vehicles and driver’s license cards by July, he said.

“So there’s no reason why this will not happen,” Mendoza said at a press briefing at Malacañang.

He said vehicle dealers who violate the prescribed timeframe for delivering the license plates may be shut down.

“For LTO personnel, they will be terminated. That’s why during our meeting with regional directors, we emphasized the timeline. We have to release the plates, OR/CR and RFID stickers within five days from the time the papers were filed,” Mendoza said.

The updates on license cards and motor vehicle license plates were among the topics discussed during a sectoral meeting led by President Marcos yesterday.

During the meeting, Mendoza informed Marcos that there are “more than enough” license plates, but some of these have not been distributed to motorists.

A statement from the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos commended the LTO for its programs aimed at achieving zero backlog on license plates.

Mendoza said about 9.7 million license cards have been bidded out, adding “there is no reason to have a shortage for this year.”