Less than a year ago, the LTO had some problems with their laser engravers. The machines needed funding for repairs, and that’s what caused the inability of some of the agency’s offices to issue plastic license cards. Now there’s another problem. The plastic cards themselves have a supply problem. The Land Transportation Office responded pretty quickly, and they do have a few workarounds. Read on.
Photo: LTO
First off, those whose licenses are set to expire from April 4, 2023, onwards are entitled to an extension of their license’s validity. That’s right. LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade went online to announce the said extension. Tugade recognizes the apparent shortage of plastic card supplies and deemed it necessary to grant an additional six (6) months for late April-expiring licenses.
Photo: LTO
The second applies to those who are going to be granted new Driver’s Licenses. In the event that the LTO office that they apply for a license at no longer has plastic cards available, the agency has allowed the Official Receipt to serve as a “temporary license” until such time that a card can be issued. What the public must take note of is that these ORs, according to the Land Transportation Office Memorandum, will have to have their complete details, a unique QR Code, and screenshots of the front and back of the license card.
“Kaya po agad na rin pong gumawa ng hakbang ang LTO para matugunan ang inaasahang kakapusan na ito. Nakipagpulong na rin ang LTO sa mga law enforcer tulad ng PNP Highway Patrol Group upang maipabatid sa kanila na kung manghuhuli ng mga lumalabag sa batas-trapiko ay tanggapin na rin kung OR lamang ang ipapakita ng motorists [This is why the LTO quickly made steps in response to the shortage. The LTO has already met with law enforcers like the PNP Highway Patrol Group to inform them that ORs will temporarily be acceptable],” Jay Art Tugade said in his statement.
The Agency Chief has likewise reiterated that this ruling will remain in effect for as long as they cannot print the physical Driver’s License cards. They foresee that the current supply of 147,522 cards may only last until the end of this month, but procurement of a fresh supply is already underway.
You have to admit, that’s some pretty quick response on the Agency’s part. Whatever caused this supply shortage isn’t what we should focus on. Sure, it’s a bit of a hassle having to go back for a physical card later on, but a temporary solution has already been put in place. Keep those Official Receipts handy, take care of them, and if you got a license validity extension, don’t forget to renew by October 31, 2023, okay?
