Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to delay the implementation of its January 1, 2025, ban on the use of temporary license plates for motorcycles.
Speaking in a privilege speech on Tuesday, Tolentino highlighted concerns raised by the Motorcycle Taxi Community Alliance (MTCA), whose members questioned the LTO’s ability to deliver official plates on time.
“Nasaan ang plaka? (Where are the plates?),” Tolentino echoed.
Backlog and Implementation Issues
Tolentino pointed out that the LTO’s own admissions revealed the agency cannot address its production backlog until July 2025, even with plate manufacturing machines running at full capacity.
The senator described the deadline as “unrealistic and unfair” to riders who would face fines, arrests, and bans for a problem caused by the LTO’s inefficiency.
“If the LTO cannot produce the official plates, then it should defer the deadline,” he stressed.
Temporary Plate Policy
Under a July LTO memorandum circular, motorcycles purchased before January 1, 2023, are still permitted to use temporary plates reflecting their MV File Numbers. However, this allowance is set to expire by the end of 2024.
Appeal for Riders
Tolentino urged the LTO to consider the livelihood of motorcycle riders, especially during the holiday season.
“My appeal to the LTO is to give our riders a break. Allow them to make an honest living. Don’t penalize them for a problem caused by the LTO’s own shortcomings,” he said.
Legislative Efforts
The Senate recently passed Senate Bill 2555 on third and final reading, seeking to amend provisions of Republic Act 11235, also known as the “Doble Plaka Law,” which has faced criticism for being discriminatory. Tolentino serves as the principal sponsor and author of the measure.
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