LTO Central Visayas: Impossible to distribute over 600,000 license plates by Oct. 4

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6) — The Land Transportation Office - Central Visayas (LTO-7) on Wednesday admitted that it will not be able to meet the Oct. 4 deadline to distribute over 600,000 unclaimed license plates.

"By October dapat ma-dispose na ang 600,000 plus, but that is kind of impossible na siya but we will see. Ang aking commitment is that by the end of the two-month period, there should be a dramatic drop in the number of plates in our warehouse," said LTO-7 Director Glen Galario.

[Translation: By October, we should be able to dispose over 600,000 license plates, but that is kind of impossible, but we will see. My commitment is that by the end of the two-month period, there should be a dramatic drop in the number of plates in our warehouse.]

Last Aug. 4, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza asked LTO-7 to distribute the plates within two months.

READ: LTO chairman Vigor Mendoza | The Source

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2023/7/31/LTO-chairman-Vigor-Mendoza---The-Source.html

LTO-7 reportedly has the biggest backlog in the license plates distribution compared to other regions. Galario said there was lack of information dissemination so many vehicle owners did not know that their plates were already available.

Before distribution, the plates need to be scanned for uploading to the central data system, but LTO-7 has only one bar code scanner and computer which can only accommodate 50 plates per day. Galario said LTO-7 already requested for additional five scanners and computers from the Central Office, and he hopes these will be given to LTO-7 the soonest time possible.

He also tasked LTO-7 Assistant Regional Director Engr. Arturo Roque Apolinar to lead the distribution of the plates.

"The regional director also tasked all its different districts and extension offices in Central Visayas to accept the necessary documents needed to claim the licensed plates wherein their personnel will take care of securing the licensed plates should they be available," he added.

"Once available, registered owners will be notified where and when to claim the said plates," a separate statement from LTO-7 read.

To urge vehicle owners to claim their license plates, LTO-7 flags down vehicles with temporary plates and informs them once their plates are available for pickup, LTO 7 Operations Division head Aden Belza said.

LTO-7 is also planning to partner with fleet operators, local government units, clubs, and other organizations that could help fast-track the distribution of the licensed plates.