MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang Thursday asked the Land Transportation Office to go slow on the implementation of a “cutting-edge” technology on vehicle registration in response to complaints raised by motorists and transport groups.

“It would be proper to conduct a more thorough study on this before this is implemented,” Lorelei Fajardo, deputy presidential spokesperson, said in a media briefing.

Fajardo cited the need for more consultations and public hearings to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

“The issue raised is a very valid issue so it should be looked into,” Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in the same briefing.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza complained that the new technology could lead to abuses by the state.

The RFID uses radio waves to identify vehicles and other information by placing a microchip on the windshield. Vehicle owners would have to shell out a one-time payment of P350 for the sticker containing the microchip.

LTO officials said the technology would help improve traffic management and help the agency identify stolen vehicles and public transport illegally plying certain routes.