By Brian Campued
In light of the declaration of a state of energy emergency in the country, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has extended for three months the validity of documents expiring this April.
Under a memorandum circular issued by the LTO on Wednesday and made public Thursday, the documents covered by the directive are driver’s and conductor’s licenses, student driver’s permits, and motor vehicle registration.
According to the agency, no surcharges, penalties, or fines will also be imposed for late renewal during the extended period.
“This measure aims to ease the burden of the public amid the rising costs of fuel and basic commodities, giving motorists sufficient time to comply without additional financial strain,” the LTO said.
Action vs. ‘fixers’
Meanwhile, LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao strongly condemned fixing activities and vowed stricter action against fixers and agency personnel engaged in the illegal issuance of licenses and documents in exchange for a fee.
“Walang puwang ang fixer sa LTO. Sinumang empleyado na mapapatunayang sangkot ay mahaharap sa kaukulang administrative at criminal charges at maaaring matanggal sa serbisyo,” Lacanilao said in a statement.
“Fixers will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.”
He also reminded the public to transact only with authorized personnel and through official channels.
This as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested nine individuals allegedly involved in illegal fixing activities, including three LTO personnel, in an LTO satellite office in Quezon City on Wednesday.
Several individuals were likewise apprehended in separate anti-fixing operations on April 8 and 10, also in Quezon City.
The initiative is aligned with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, as well as the agency’s 7-Point Priority Framework under Lacanilao’s leadership.
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