LTO stops issuance of drivers’ licenses

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the issuance of drivers’ licenses nationwide earlier this week following the unauthorized change in the design of cards done by the agency’s supplier.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Thursday assured the public that LTO operations would return to normal by next week. The suspension of issuance of licenses was ordered by LTO chief Virginia Torres.

He said the Amalgamated Motors Philippines Inc. (Ampi), made changes in the original design of drivers’ licenses that were not approved by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“We understand the sentiment of our drivers seeking and renewing their licenses for the inconvenience caused by the temporary glitch at LTO,” Roxas said.

“We are conducting an investigation why Ampi made the unauthorized change without our approval; we expect LTO operations back to normal before the end of the week,” he said.