Press Release - TOL to LTO: Fix backlogs first

Citing LTO's 'massive backlogs' in issuing license plates, TOL opposes LTO Region 7's plan to apprehend motorcycle riders using improvised or temporary plates starting September 1

"Give motorcycle riders a break! They are not at fault for the lack of official license plates, which is the responsibility of the government."

Thus said Majority Leader Senator Francis 'Tol' Tolentino, as he strongly opposed the plan of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 office (Central Visayas) to apprehend motorcycle riders using improvised or temporary license plates starting September 1.

In a radio interview in Cebu City, Tolentino questioned the directive, citing the LTO's own 'massive backlogs' in the issuance of official license plates that have accumulated to over 12 million as of February this year.

Tolentino said he intends to write Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista to urge the latter to look into the appropriateness of the order.

The senator will also request the DoTr to hold in abeyance any similar directives in view of the recent passage of Senate Bill No. 2555, which will remove the double plate requirement for motorcycles under Republic Act 11235 - also known as the 'Doble Plaka Law.'

Tolentino is the principal sponsor of the said measure.

"I question the logic behind apprehending motorcycle riders for not having official license plates when it is the LTO's responsibility to provide those plates. I call upon LTO Region 7 to wait for the President's signing of the new law. Our motorcycle riders are not at fault here, yet they are the ones being punished," Tolentino stated. "And also, why single out Cebu?" he asked.

Earlier, LTO Region 7 Director Glen Galario warned that all vehicles not complying with LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2024-2721, which outlines the guidelines for the use of improvised and temporary motor vehicle/motorcycle plates nationwide, would face apprehension, legal action, and penalties.

Tolentino emphasized that motorcycle riders are not to blame, as the LTO itself has acknowledged that their backlog in issuing the license plates may not be resolved until the year 2025.

He also pointed out that as of February