LTO finally starts issuing driver’s license cards

After a shortage that began in 2013, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has started releasing driver’s license cards to address a nationwide backlog now estimated at 1.2 million.

The agency on Tuesday started replacing the temporary licenses earlier issued in paper form, with the rollout of printing machines from a new supplier. Motorists can now get their cards at 18 licensing centers initially equipped by LTO around Metro Manila.

Selected sites per region, meanwhile, are expected to issue the new cards starting Monday, according to LTO spokesperson Jason Salvador. By Sept. 15, all 233 LTO sites nationwide should be able to provide this service.

The shortage of LTO license cards started in 2013 after the Commission on Audit disallowed payments to a previous supplier, Amalgamated Motors Philippines Inc., for lack of a proper contract.

“We weren’t able to pay them since 2013. Although they were saying initially that the delay in the card delivery was due to the port congestion (in Manila), we eventually realized that it’s because of the nonpayment,” Salvador said. “Now we’re hoping that this solves everything.”

A new supplier, Allcard Plastics Philippines Inc., won the bidding held in June to supply five million cards for P336.8 million.

The following 18 LTO sites in Metro Manila are now issuing cards: Quezon City Licensing Center; Caloocan Licensing Extension Office; San Juan Licensing Center; Makati District Office; Manila East District Office; Pasay Licensing Center; Quezon City District Office; Las Piñas Licensing Extension Office;

Manila Licensing Center; Marikina District Office; Muntinlupa Extension Office; Parañaque Extension Office; Pasig District Office; Taguig Extension Office; La Loma District Office; Valenzuela District Office; Manila South District Office, and Mandaluyong Extension Office.