By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) conducted a public consultation on Wednesday (Oct. 8) at its Head Office here for the transportation industry.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that they will tackle first the Motor Vehicle Inspection using automated system.
“If you don’t pass here, your vehicle will not be registered,” he said.
For trucks and buses, Mendoza said, the LTO has purchased its own equipment, one of which is now in Laguna.
” P1,400 will be the inspection fee just to compensate for the LTO equipment,” he said.
For jeeps and taxis, the inspection will be done by private motor inspection companies.
“After this meeting, we will send to you the checklist of what to do,” Mendoza said.
“We will teach you how to do it to facilitate the processes at the LTO and to stop the never-ending fixers at the LTO,” he added.
He said “We will conduct a dry run or set a one day actual test so that you will see whether the engine is operating well.”
“Let’s set a schedule as there is still time for such an actual test,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza added that the second to be discussed is Online Motor Vehicle Registration.
“We are ready for that and we still have until January 2026 and the payment of registration fee is also online,” Mendoza said.
“The reason we are introducing online registration is that for you to possess your own registration,” he added.
“There are more than 400 LTO offices nationwide and if it will be done manually, you will not get away with it,” he added.
“Online registration is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and goes with Bantay Ruta Program ,” Mendoza said.
“Our system is now digitalized as instructed by President Marcos,” he added.
Mendoza said that the third to be tackled is Demerit System on how it will be pushed whether the driver’s license is either suspended or revoked for three months until two years.
“It is to discipline the drivers. 40 Demerit points for 10 years validity of the driver’s license,” he said.
“We are still on Demerit System, but after a year, the driver may undergo a refresher course,” he added.
He added that the fourth to be discussed is Online License Renewal so that you will have no more problem.
“Except, if the doctor will say that it is needed to personally see you,” Mendoza said.
He added “the liaison officers will be taught by the LTO on online license renewal to make your life easier.”
Mendoza said that the last to be tackled is Bantay Ruta Program.
He added that they will first address the problem on colorum vehicles and then the Bantay Ruta Program comes next.
Mendoza said that on criminal liability, the court may impose a punishment of 12 years imprisonment and a fine of P1 million depending on the gravity of the offense, adding that, the administrative liability is another aspect.
Mendoza stressed that the instruction of DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez is road safety, which is of paramount consideration, and livelihood for the transport drivers.
He assured the transport organizations that they will send to Sec. Lopez their queries and concerns.
“Online transport of ownership whether it is motorcycle, or jeep, is included and whether the owner is abroad, will be factored in and to be taught to drivers nationwide,” Mendoza said.
“The LTFRB is now linked up with the LTO nationwide,” he added.
“We will coordinate with the DILG on the matter,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza also assured the transport industry that the LTO will study the possibility of the extension of consolidation under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and will be sent to Sec. Lopez.
Also present were Ka Obet Martin, National President of Pasang-Masda, and Ka Mody Floranda, National President of PISTON, among others. ###
