In an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo on February 27, 2025, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II clarified key issues regarding vehicle plate distribution, the backlog of unreleased plates, and the department’s efforts to streamline the process. He also responded to the challenge of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to expedite the release of vehicle plates within three days of a car’s purchase.
Clarification on Courtesy Resignation
Asec. Mendoza addressed speculation regarding his resignation, stating that he did not file a courtesy resignation as ordered by Sec. Dizon. He explained that since his office is not within the DOTr central office and the LTO is an attached agency, he was not among the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors required to render resignations.
Addressing the 9 Million Plate Backlog
Asec. Mendoza acknowledged the significant backlog of nine million unreleased license plates, attributing it to multiple factors, including funding constraints. He said that the LTO must balance financial resources between daily transportation sector needs and plate production. Of the 9 million backlog, approximately 5 million plates have already been completed, and the agency plans to distribute 2 million plates by March. The LTO is committed to clearing all backlogs by June this year.
To expedite distribution, the LTO has enlisted the assistance of local government units (LGUs), ensuring that vehicle owners can receive their plates more efficiently.
Asec. Mendoza also highlighted another reason for the backlog. Some dealers have already received plates intended for vehicle owners but have yet to distribute them. These plates remain stored in dealer warehouses instead of being handed over to their rightful owners. The LTO is taking steps to address this issue and ensure timely distribution.
New System for Plate Release
In response to Secretary Dizon’s challenge to release plates within three to five days of a vehicle purchase, Asec. Mendoza shared that the current turnaround time for plate issuance is already within five days. However, to further improve efficiency and prevent future backlogs, the LTO is considering a new system that would allow the immediate release of vehicle plates on the same day a car is purchased from a dealer. This proposal, supported by car dealers, aims to enhance convenience for vehicle owners and streamline operations.
Implementation Timeline and Pilot Run
When asked about the timeline for this new system, Asec. Mendoza announced that a meeting with car dealers is scheduled for March 5, during which they will finalize the plan. The LTO aims to conduct a pilot run with one or two dealerships in March before rolling it out nationwide.
Regarding motorcycle plates, Asec. Mendoza confirmed that the LTO has been in close communication with the Motorcycle Dealers Association of the Philippines. Similar to car dealers, motorcycle dealers have also suggested implementing a same-day plate release system. The LTO has been working closely with manufacturers since last year to improve the efficiency of motorcycle plate distribution.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/LTOPhilippines/videos/3665063520451300
