DOJ clarifies stand on driver’s license renewal

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) can impose additional requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified yesterday.

Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar made the clarification amid reports that the DOJ favors the removal of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) requirement for those renewing their driver’s license for 10 years.

The DOJ, according to reports,™ backed the stand of some lawmakers to remove the CDE, based on the comments the department submitted to the House of Representatives.

“This is incorrect. Our comment submitted to Congress states that it is within the power of the LTO to impose restrictions on the renewal of driver’s licenses for 10 years, which includes the CDE requirement,” Villar said.

“The issuance of a certification of completion of the CDE is a function necessary, proper or incidental to the power of the LTO to issue driver’s licenses,” she added.

Villar said such function is under the LTO and not of driving schools or institutions accredited by the transport agency.

On Monday, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro said the DOJ supported his position to scrap the CDE requirement for the renewal of driver’s licenses.