Leaders and representatives of various transport groups and other stakeholders held a dialogue with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regarding the implementation of a policy on the sale, donation and transfer of ownership of motor vehicles with existing registration.
Organized by Angkas chief executive officer and Ang Kasangga partylist nominee George Royeca, the public consultation attended by over 100 key stakeholders and held on Monday, Dec. 2, at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City discussed concerns and suggestions in relation to the LTO Administrative Order (AO) VDM 2024-46.
The AO sets the guideline for the sale, donation and transfer of ownership of motor vehicles with existing registration in a bid to beef up the measures against unregistered motor vehicles and double entries in the LTO records.
Royeca said the public consultation also focused on pressing concerns about the new policy’s impact on the transport sector, particularly motorcycle owners.
While he expressed support to the LTO’s efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and safety in vehicle ownership transfers, Royeca emphasized the need for equitable policies that consider the realities faced by riders, and secondhand vehicle owners.
“Kailangan natin siguruhin na ang implementasyon ng AO-VDM 2024-46 ay practical at makatarungan para masigurong masusunod ito ng mga kagulong, lalong lalo na ang mga kasamahan natin na ginagamit ang motor sa kanilang kabuhayan. (We must ensure that its implementation of the AO-VDM 2024-46 is both just and practical for all stakeholders in order for them to comply especially for those that use motorcycles as a means of livelihood),” said Royeca.
For his part, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, who led the consultation, emphasized the importance of engaging with stakeholders to create policies that are both effective and fair.
“This consultation is part of our goal of making the regulations more inclusive. The AO VDM 2024-46 intends to make the land transportation system safer and more accountable but we also need to ensure that this would be practical for everybody,” said Mendoza.
Royeca, on the other hand, called for further consultations across different regions for a truly national transport plan that reflects the realities of the motorcycle sector alongside all other public utility vehicles, including tricycles.
“We call for continued nationwide public consultations. We are ready to work with the LTO, DOTr (Department of Transportation), and our government to create meaningful solutions that uplift motorcycle bikers while ensuring a safer and more efficient transport system for all Filipinos,” said Royeca.