Transport monitors and logistics companies are railing at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over technical glitches and the ensuing delays that plagued the agency’s digital services.
The agency has been working to modernize its online system to ease processes like vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, but frequent system downtimes and data discrepancies are stalling progress, they said.
The LTO’s online portal, designed to streamline transactions and reduce in-person visits, has been experiencing frequent outages.
Citizens attempting to renew their licenses or register vehicles online reported system crashes and slow loading times. This is particularly inconvenient given that the agency encourages people to use its online services to avoid long lines at physical offices.
“I tried renewing my license online three times, but the system kept crashing,” said Maria Santos, a Quezon City resident. “I ended up going to the LTO office in person, which completely defeats the purpose of an online service.”
Martin Nico de los Angeles, vice president of the Philippine Transport Monitor (PTM), said the recent downtime of the LTO’s system shows it does not have the necessary back-up data connectivity to ensure the continued operation of the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) every time the IT system encounters a problem.
Users also reported errors and discrepancies in the LTO’s database, sometimes leading to inaccurate records or canceled transactions. Some users found their records missing or containing incorrect information, leading to delays. These issues also raise concerns about the integrity of the LTO’s data management, with errors potentially leading to incorrect billing and confusion among applicants.
The impact of these technical challenges is also felt by businesses and professionals who rely on the LTO’s services.
Logistics companies, which need to register vehicles promptly to keep fleets on the road, face costly delays when the LTO’s system is down. Driving schools and professional drivers similarly face complications when licensing services are unavailable or unreliable.
The LTO acknowledged these technical issues, assuring motorists that solutions are under way, but public clamor is mounting for decisive interventions to address recurring problems.
“We recognize the issues and are looking into potential improvements,” an LTO official said. “Our goal is to ensure a smoother, more efficient experience for all users, and we are exploring partnerships with tech providers to make this happen.”
The LTO’s technical woes are fueling concerns about the effectiveness of digital services within government agencies, especially as these are seen as crucial to improving public sector efficiency.
The agency has the potential to set an example in digital transformation for other departments, but persistent issues risk further eroding public trust.
“It is high time that Malacañang and the DOTr took action on the call of the public for an LTO chief who will make the most of the LTMS to provide fast, efficient, and computer fee free services to its transacting public,” said the Coalition for Good Governance, an organization that has been fighting for better government service.
