Sen. Raffy Tulfo has called for a Senate probe into what he described as the “anti-poor” process of obtaining driver’s licenses in the Philippines.
“There have been issues with the process of obtaining driver’s licenses, particularly the requirement to take a Theoretical Driving Course and Practical Driving Course with an LTO-accredited driving school, to undergo a costly medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic,” Tulfo said in Senate Resolution (SR) No. 577.
“There is a need to ensure that the process of obtaining a driver’s license is streamlined, affordable, cost-efficient, and impenetrable by fixers,” the resolution added.
The senator also said he wants to streamline and make the process accessible to the marginalized sector.
He noted that this would also address the current issue of a shortage of plastic cards for license issuance.
Earlier, Tulfo conducted an ocular visit at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Diliman Quezon City amid rampant corruption issues.
At present, all new driver’s license applicants are required to enroll in an LTO-accredit driving school that charges 5,000 pesos and above.
All new and for renewal driver’s license applicants are likewise required to pay P500 fee for a vision test.
The senator aired concern about reports of shortage of plastic cards for the printing of driver’s license because of the rebidding that happened. This has resulted in the printing of driver’s license on paper.
Tulfo underscored the need to investigate the incidents surrounding the bidding of said plastic cards as well as license plates to avoid recurrence od said problems.
He also like to inquire into the process of registering motor vehicles, particularly the requirement of Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance which is a mandatory requirement for all motor vehicle owners in the Philippines.
According to Tulfo, many motor vehicle owners already have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance providing a more comprehensive coverage that includes protection for the vehicle owner and other third-party individuals which render the CTPL requirement redundant, and that the payment of both the CTPL and comprehensive motor vehicle insurance can be burdensome for them.