Go to LTO, DOTr: Address driver's license plastic card shortage, pronto
Senator Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to work together and address the current shortage of plastic cards for driver's license in the country. He emphasized the need for an immediate solution to alleviate the burden on motorists who are already struggling with various challenges. Go stressed the need for the government to anticipate any possible supply shortage of the cards and to find a way to provide a more efficient and timely service to the public. The senator from Davao expressed concern over the possible inconveniences of issuing paper-based temporary licenses, particularly since license owners would eventually need to go back to LTO again just to have these replaced. Go reminded the LTO and DOTr that their job is to provide efficient public service, especially to drivers who may already be struggling with the financial burdens of their work. According to the LTO, it only has a supply of 147,000 plastic cards. It was reported that this amount is only enough to accommodate the demand for the month of April in all LTO branches throughout the country. The agency has already allocated a budget of P249 million for the purchase of 5.2 million plastic cards for the year, but the procurement process has been reportedly plagued with delays. Go then urged the agencies to work together and find a solution to the current issue rather than blaming each other and causing further delays.