It’s been so long since this license-plate situation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) started. We’re already near the end of 2022, and we’re all still here talking about it.
As bad as the situation may seem, though, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. The agency has just shared that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved P4.7 billion of the requested P6.83 billion budget to clear the license-plate backlog. The LTO also said that it is aiming to clear 90% of said backlog by the end of 2023 and that it is looking to outsource production in order to achieve this.
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As it stands, the LTO needs to produce 2.3 million pairs of replacement plates for motor vehicles and 11.5 million motorcycle plates. LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III remains confident that the agency will get the approval for the remaining budget it requested.
“Right now, we have already extended the operating hours of the LTO license plate manufacturing plant,” said Guadiz. “It now operates even on Saturdays so that it can produce more replacement plates and reduce the backlog.”
At least one more year to go, then, before that not-so-brand-new car of yours will finally be able to sport the proper license plates. Your thoughts, readers?
