PNP, LTO ink data-sharing deal vs crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Philippine National Police have signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow PNP investigators to access records of motor vehicles, particularly those that were used in criminal activities.

According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, the agreement on data-sharing is part of the digital shift that President Marcos wants to implement in government services including law enforcement matters.

“With criminals going digital nowadays, the PNP and the entire government law enforcement machinery must be one step ahead to become effective and efficient in crime prevention,” Abalos said over the weekend.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and LTO Chairman Vigor Mendoza II signed the agreement.

“This agreement is a testament to the necessity of embracing technological innovations in the government’s efforts to make sure that every citizen is safe whether they are on the street or in their homes,” Abalos said.

Under the data-sharing deal, Mendoza said the LTO would develop a verification facility, which will enable personnel of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to verify information pertaining to motor vehicles that are “alarmed” or under investigation.

Mendoza said the agreement would also facilitate the deployment of an authorized HPG personnel to the LTO command center on an interim basis, to verify motor vehicle registration records.

He clarified that the verification will be on a “read-only basis” and will only cover details in the Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt; registration record history pertaining to the previous transfers of ownership and encumbrances, and any material that may be relevant in the investigation.

The PNP is mandated to allow the LTO to validate the Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate submitted by the registrant for the initial registration of motor vehicles and other miscellaneous transactions such as transfer of ownership, change of engine or chassis, color and body design to ensure the authenticity of the MVCC.

Mendoza said the validation would be facilitated by the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Division, which will be used without additional cost to the clients.

“This agreement solidifies the existing PNP-LTO partnership on law enforcement and eventually ensures President Marcos’ commitment to improved peace and order situation,” he said.