LTO can impose added requirements on issuance of driver's license -- DOJ

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) can impose additional requirements for the issuance of drivers’ licenses, including the Comprehensive Drivers’ Education (CDE), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar clarified the DOJ’s stand after news reports stated that the DOJ supports the stance of some legislators to remove the CDE based on the comments the department submitted to the House of Representatives.
The news reports also stated that Deputy House Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said that the DOJ, through Villar, welcomed House Resolution (HR) No. 2325 that he initiated urging the LTO to immediately remove the CDE.
“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 the drivers’ licenses for 10 years, which includes the requirement of the CDE,” Villar explained.
Villar also said: “It is further stated in our Comment to HR 2325 that 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 drivers’ licenses.”
She added: “However, it is a function that properly pertains to the LTO and it is not contemplated by EO (Executive Order) No. 1101, s. 1985, that the said function be performed by an LTO-accredited driving school or institution.”
Deputy Speaker Rodriguez was also quoted in the reports as saying that even if CDE is given free of charge, this will result in the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“The convergence of people at this time in LTO offices, many of which are just cramped spaces in malls, could be a virus super spreader. I’m sure LTO officials and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade are aware of this,” he was reported to have said.