Sen. Francis Tolentino (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) should do its mandate to produce pending motorcycle plates by the first quarter of 2025, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said on Tuesday.

Tolentino also urged the LTO to revoke its Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2024-2721, which aimed to prohibit the use of temporary plates starting September 1, 2024, with penalties for non-compliance.

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“Once they revoke it, they need to find a way to produce plates by the first quarter [of 2025]. If they cannot address this, motorcycle riders will once again be affected,” Tolentino said in an ambush interview.

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Motorcycle riders on Tuesday trooped outside the Senate to denounce the LTO’s December 31 deadline for the use of temporary license plates.

They said they have yet to receive their official plates from the LTO after several months, while some have been waiting for years. According to Tolentino, about 800,000 motorcycle riders were affected.

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In a privilege speech delivered during the Senate’s plenary session on Tuesday, Tolentino said LTO’s failure to address its staggering plate production backlog raises “serious concerns about the LTO’s operational efficiency, resource allocation, and strategic planning.”

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He also said LTO’s inability to resolve its backlog undermines public trust and confidence in the Department of Transportation in general and the LTO in particular.

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“As we look to the future, we must hold the LTO accountable and push for effective solutions. We must advocate for increased production, streamlined processes, and better communication. The promise of timely delivery of license plates is not just an administrative issue; it is about restoring trust in our transportation system and ensuring that every vehicle owner can operate with peace of mind. This stark reality highlights an ongoing struggle to meet the demand we have all felt,” he added.

This prompted him to call on the LTO to provide a clear and actionable plan to resolve the backlog and to communicate transparently with the public.

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“Explain to the public the status of the plate production. What is the problem and the solution?” Tolentino said. “And we hope that while the LTO is still addressing the plate production backlog, the agency will stop releasing directives that result in more confusion among motorists.”

“I urge the LTO to prioritize transparency and accountability and to take decisive action to address this crisis. Let us work together to ensure that our transportation system is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all vehicle owners,” he added.

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READ: LTO eyeing an end to motorcycle license plates backlog within 2024 fc188

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