Clearing the Roadblocks: LTO Region 6 & Leganes LGU Address Motorcycle Plate Backlog
By GEROME DALIPE
LEGANES, Iloilo – For over a decade, several tricycle drivers in Region VI have navigated the roads without proper motorcycle plates due to a longstanding backlog. But on April 2, a momentous day in Leganes, Iloilo, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region VI, in partnership with the local government, took a major step in addressing this issue, distributing 125 motorcycle plates to members of the Tricycle Owners and Drivers Association (TODA).
LTO Region VI Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu spearheaded the distribution event, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to resolving the backlog that has persisted for more than ten years.
“Finally, after more than 10 years, the problem of backlog pending plates is now being resolved. In the next few months, LTO will be distributing 11.8 million plates nationwide. We prioritize TODA because we know you need this for your livelihood,” said Director Geduspan.
The initiative was warmly received by local officials, including Leganes Mayor Vicente “JunJun” Jaen II, Second District Representative Michael Gorriceta and his wife, Dr. Kathryn Joyce Fermin Gorriceta, along with several other town officials who graced the event.
Beyond just distributing plates, Director Geduspan took the opportunity to educate tricycle drivers on the importance of having the correct restriction code on their driver’s licenses. He warned that unregistered vehicles could result in fines exceeding P12,000 and that drivers without the necessary A1 restriction code risk having their licenses suspended for up to a year.
“If you are driving a tricycle, you must have an additional restriction code A1, as this permits you to operate a tricycle. Without this, your driver’s license may be suspended for one year,” he explained.
Director Geduspan also shed light on the alarming statistics related to road safety. Road crashes have led to approximately 12,000 deaths nationwide, with Western Visayas alone recording over 500 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries due to road accidents. To address these concerns, LTO Region VI has intensified its campaign on law enforcement and road safety education, empowering district offices to ensure compliance.
The distribution of motorcycle plates is just one part of a larger effort to modernize the LTO’s services. To further improve efficiency and transparency, the agency plans to introduce a plate tracker system, allowing vehicle owners to monitor the status of their plates.
The LTO Central Office has already authorized Region VI to proceed with the distribution, and Geduspan urged local government units (LGUs) to submit the Official Receipts (ORs) and Certificates of Registration (CRs) of their TODA members to ensure proper plate assignments and payment adjustments.
This initiative aligns with the directive of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, who has prioritized fast-tracking the resolution of motorcycle plate backlogs.
“Our swift response to the tricycle plate backlog demonstrates what can be achieved when the LTO and local government units work together,” Asec. Mendoza noted.
Moreover, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has directed all agencies under the DOTr to streamline services and eliminate unnecessary delays, ensuring that the public receives timely assistance.
With the backlog for four-wheeled vehicle plates already resolved, the LTO is now focusing on eliminating the motorcycle plate backlog nationwide within the year. These efforts mark a significant milestone in the agency’s modernization plans, ultimately enhancing vehicle registration and promoting road safety across the country.
