Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur” Abalos, Jr. facilitates the signing of a data-sharing agreement between PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, an agreement that will pave the way to the police investigators being provided with access to the records of motor vehicles, particularly those that would be used in criminal activities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has signed a data-sharing agreement with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that will pave the way for police investigators being provided with access to the records of motor vehicles, particularly those that would be used in criminal activities.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos said the agreement will also help streamline and shorten the timeline for issuance of police clearances necessary for vehicle registration and transfer.
“With most of the criminal elements going digital, the PNP and the entire government law enforcement machinery must be one step ahead in order to be effective and efficient in crime prevention and crime-busting,” said Abalos.
“This agreement is a testament to the necessity of embracing technological innovations in the government’s efforts to make sure that every citizen is safe whether they are on the streets or in their homes,” he added.
The memorandum of agreement was signed by PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II.
Based on the agreement, Mendoza said the LTO will develop a verification facility which will enable the PNP, through the Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to verify motor vehicle registration records information pertaining to motor vehicles that are under investigation and/or alarmed.
He said the agreement will also facilitate the deployment of an authorized HPG personnel to the LTO Command Center on an interim basis in order to verify motor vehicle registration records data that are under investigation and/or alarmed.
Mendoza, however, said that the verification will be on a “read-only basis” and will only cover the Details in the Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt; Registration record history pertaining to the previous transfers of ownership and encumbrances; and other items to be verified and any material that may be relevant in the investigation.
The PNP, on the other hand, is mandated to allow the LTO to validate the Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) submitted by the registrant for the initial registration of motor vehicles, and other miscellaneous transactions such as transfer of ownership, change of engine/chassis, color, and body design to ensure the authenticity of the MVCC.
“This agreement only solidifies the already existing PNP-LTO partnership on the aspect of law enforcement and eventually ensures President Marcos’ commitment to good peace and order situation in the country,” said Mendoza.
“The LTO is doing well in its digital transformation and we are happy to share our insights and inputs to the PNP, especially on matters pertaining to land transportation,” he added.
Marbil, on the other hand, lauded the LTO for sharing the PNP’s vision of effective and efficient law enforcement through digital innovations.
“We have been pushing for this kind of partnership even before. And I am happy that under my watch, this was finally realized,” said Marbil.