LTO rolls out new driver’s license cards

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) finally started yesterday releasing driver’s license cards in at least 18 of 233 locations nationwide.

The agency was forced to issue temporary cards after it was prevented by the Commission on Audit (COA) in September 2013 from further transacting with the previous supplier,  Amalgamated Motors Philippines, Inc.

LTO spokesman Jason Salvador said the new cards, issued by current supplier Allcard Plastics Philippines Inc. since yesterday morning, are initially available in the 18 LTO offices in the National Capital Region (NCR), but would be available at regional levels by Monday, and in all other locations by Sept. 15.

Allcard Plastics won the bid to supply the government with five million cards. The LTO claims a current total national backlog of 1,225,789 cards.

The new license cards will be available in the licensing offices of Quezon, San Juan and Pasay cities and in the LTO district offices of Makati, Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, Valenzuela and Manila South.

Applicants can also go to the LTO extension offices in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Taguig, La Loma and Mandaluyong.

Salvador said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is yet to approve the proposal to reduce the license fee from P350 to P270.

He added that the process in renewing the driver’s license card is now easier and faster after eliminating the need to fill out application forms in the previous renewal process.

“Now, what we’re trying to do is to let the public see the monitor screen. If there are no new details to name, address, marital status… if everything is correct, all you need to do is submit your card – no need to submit the application form and medical certificate,” he said. 

This process, Salvador added, “effectively streamlines” the renewal process and cuts waiting time by 20 to 30 minutes.

But truck driver Michelle Barosa said the processing was still at a snail’s pace, pointing out that as the 168th applicant for replacement of lost driver’s license, he has been waiting since Monday.