LTO to prioritize OFWs for issuance of license cards

Following the growing complaints and inquiries about the inconvenience in license and vehicle plate issuance, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Edgar Galvante said that they will be prioritizing the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) regarding the distribution due to current shortage of license cards. 

Concerned OFWs will have to submit their passports, employment contract, plane ticket and papers issued by either the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to be prioritized. 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has reported the availability of plastic license and vehicle registration plates on the second quarter of 2017, according to Inquirer. 

The shortage of plastic cards, as reported, was a result of the Commission of Audit (COA) declining payments to the  previous supplier, Amalgamated Motors Philippines Inc. This was due to absence of proper contract. 

Meanwhile, the supply of car plates was cut short after the COA disallowed the contract won by the joint venture of Power Plates Development Concept and Dutch Company J. Knieriem BV in 2013. 

It was also said that the Bureau of Customs took hold of 600,000 vehicle plates in April due to the venture's failure to pay taxes and duties. The plates were then turned over to the LTO. It was in August that the LTO reported a 7 million shortage of vehicle registration plates. 

Of note, the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order to LTO and Department of Transportation after allegations by Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting and Abakada Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz about the LTO bidding out the project without the necessary appropriation. 

Source: Inquirer.net