Transport groups to file case vs LTMS implementation
Published Apr 5, 2023 03:10 am
Several transport groups are set to file this a month a petition to stop the implementation of the controversial Land Transportation Management System (LTMS), the only available online platform that gives access for the public to apply for all the transactions at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that include application for new and renewal of driver’s license and car registration.
National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC) national convener Ariel Lim said the system, which was supposed to ease LTO transactions, has instead caused inconveniences to the LTO clients.
"We will file a case against the LTO this month. We will ask for the issuance of an injunction against the LTMS," said Lim in a phone interview.
But even before the filing of the case, Lim said they have already sent a demand letter to the LTO, copy furnished to the Office of the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives, for the suspension of the operation of the LTMS.
The implementation of LTMS has been the subject of complaints in the past due to technical glitches.
But beyond the technical glitches that sometimes caused suspension of operations in some LTO offices, Lim said the LTMS has only created more problems to public transport operators and drivers, majority of whom don't have the technical know-how or competence to use a computer.
"Like me, I'm already old. I don't know how to use the computer and the internet signal in our area is poor. The same is true for a great majority of the jeepney, trucks and tricycle drivers,” said Lim.
“They don't have computers, they don't know how to use computers and they don't have internet. So how can they use the LTMS portal," he added.
Lim said the system also leads to corruption, saying operators and drivers would sometimes resort to shelling out additional expenses of P100 to P200 for "fixers" to make an account for them so that they can register online.
Lim also pointed out that under the LTMS, private and public vehicles can only be registered after passing the roadworthiness test from a private motor vehicle inspection center (PMVIC), which resulted in the phasing out of the PETC or private emission testing centers.
"The LTMS is not a public service, it is business for the LTO," Lim stressed.
He added that using the LTO portal also means more expenses for the public because payment is also done online, which charges drivers and operators a P75 service fee.
The PMVIC requirement, he pointed out, is also another problem to the transport sector because it is not accessible in many parts of the country, and in some instances one has to travel for hours just to have the vehicle tested.
"The PMVIC has no basis in law. You cannot force a car owner to have his vehicle inspected at the PMVIC," he pointed out.
He also noted that the process under the LTMS is very slow, saying that "it is the reason why the LTO is extending the validity of car registration by one to two months.