LTO starts implementing new policy on driver's license

MANILA - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday advised drivers applying for a license that starting this week, some of its offices will only accept medical certificates submitted online by accredited clinics and doctors.

The LTO said the new policy also applies to drivers applying for student permits as well as those who are renewing their license.

The new policy took effect on Monday in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in Region 11. LTO-NCR published a list of accredited clinics and doctors on its Facebook page.

The policy will also be implemented in Regions 5, 4A, 4B, 7 on Monday, January 14. It will take effect on Jan. 21 in Regions 6 and 9; in Regions 1, 2 and 3 on Jan. 28; and in Regions 10, 8, Cordillera Administrative Regiona and CARAGA on Feb. 4.

LTO Region 1 Director Teofilo Guadiz said the measure is meant to address the issue of fake medical certificates.

People applying for a license, however, said the LTO should have accredited more clinics and doctors first before rolling out the new system.

Many are complaining that the new system has resulted in long lines in accredited clinics and made the license application process slower instead of speeding it up.

"Kailangan ko makipagsapalaran sa lisensya lang, (I needed to endure a lot just to get a license)," said Richard Dofredo, who was applying for a license.

Guadiz, meanwhile, said the situation would improve in the coming days.

"Hindi pa po kasi na-accredit lahat yung mga clinics so nagkakaroon po ng backlog (There's a backlog because many clinics have yet to be accredited)," Guadiz said.

"We apologize for what we call the birth pains since this is just the first day of our operations," he added.

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