By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Tuesday (Dec. 3), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified that the implementation of two memoranda relating to the use of improvised plates are still suspended “until further notice”, amid questions and concerns from motorists who are seeking updates on the implementation of said policies.
The Memorandum Circular VDM-2024-2721 set the guideline on the use of improvised plates for motor vehicles and motorcycles while the Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2024-2722 sets the guideline for the implementation and requirements for the participation in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.
On September 30 this year, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II issued a memorandum suspending the implementation of the two memorandum circulars in a bid to give more time for motor vehicle owners to obtain their respective license plates.
In order to assist the motor vehicle owners, Asst. Sec. Mendoza has instructed all motor vehicle dealers to expedite the release of the license plates which are still under their possession.
Furthermore, LTO regional and district offices also launched a program that paves the way to the door-to-door and free delivery of license plates.
Meanwhile, motorcycle riders also asked the LTO to give them more time to comply with the requirements of the circular for the motorcycle taxi pilot study, particularly on the license plate and RFID requirements.
On November 27, Asst. Sec. Mendoza issued another memorandum circular reminding all regional directors and other LTO officials that the deferment of the implementation was extended until further notice.
“In the best interest of the service and to give the motor vehicle and motorcycle dealers an ample time to have the plates distributed to the respective owners, the Memorandum dated 2 September 2024 entitled ‘Deferment of Memorandum dated 30 July 2024 re Deferment of Implementation of Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2024-2721 and Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2024-2722’ is hereby extended until further notice,” the November 27 memorandum circular read.
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