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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Plastic card shortage forces LTO to extend validity of expiring driver's license

Plastic card shortage forces LTO to extend validity of expiring driver's license

Published Apr 23, 2023 02:27 am
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has extended the validity of the driver’s license that would expire starting April 24 amid the shortage of plastic cards being used in its printing. LTO chief JayArt Tugade said he already informed all its offices and other agencies being deputized to enforce road safety rules in a memorandum circular. “All holders of driver’s license cards expiring 24 April 2023 onwards shall no longer be required to renew their licenses until October 31, 2023, or as soon as the driver’s license cards become available for distribution to the public,” said Tugade. “Further, all penalties for late renewal transactions shall be waived,” he added. Tugade said the move is aimed at easing public concerns amid the shortage of plastics cards, explaining that some motorists are not comfortable with the paper version of the driver’s license. The inventory of the plastic cards being used in printing driver’s licenses, according to LTO, is only until last week of April this year. Based on the latest information, a num ber of LTO ofices in Metro Manila and other parts of the country can no longer print the driver’s license cards.  Amid criticisms over the repeated mistakes committed that result in shortage of supply, Tugade said it was because of the decision of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to centralize the procurement for P50 million and above. The LTO is under the DOTr. On the other hand, the cost for the procurement of plastic cards is over P200 million. Tugade explained that he already knew of the problem when they conducted an inventory when he assumed the top LTO post in November last year, adding that the LTO was ready to procure them as early as December last year. But he said the DOTR issued a special order in January this year, advising all the agencies under the department to stop the procurement process if the item would cost P50 million and above.  
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