Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced an indefinite suspension on the enforcement of new regulations that would prohibit the use of improvised vehicle plates. The suspension of Memorandum Circulars (MC) VDM-2024-2721 and VDM-2024-2722, intended to address the backlog in license plate production, was confirmed on Wednesday, November 27, through a memorandum circular issued by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II to all regional directors and officials.
According to Philippines News Agency, the implementation of these circulars was initially halted on September 30 to provide vehicle owners more time to secure their official plates. MC VDM-2024-2721 had declared the elimination of the backlog in motor vehicle plate production and set a deadline for ceasing the use of improvised plates by August 1. Meanwhile, MC VDM-2024-2722 directed motorcycle taxi riders participating in a pilot study to comply with LTO requirements, including having a proper license plate.
In a PTV interview,
LTO Executive Director Greg Pua attributed delays in resolving the plate backlog to budget constraints and production delays, despite full delivery of plates to the LTO’s plate-making facility. He noted that the plant, operating around the clock, has managed to reduce the motorcycle plate backlog from 13 million to 9.1 million, with a target to eliminate the backlog by June next year.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino lauded the LTO’s decision as a victory for motorcycle riders who have been affected by the license plate backlog. He highlighted that the agency’s indefinite suspension of the December 31 deadline offers respite to riders, allowing them to continue their livelihood without the risk of penalties.
Tolentino had previously questioned the LTO’s policies, particularly the controversial MC VDM-2024-2721, and criticized the LTO’s regional office in Cebu for imposing a PHP40 fee on riders to obtain a permit. He revealed that the LTO admitted that even with maximum production capacity, the backl
og might not be cleared until July 2025.
Tolentino, who authored Senate Bill 2555 to amend certain provisions of the Doble Plaka Law perceived as discriminatory against motorcycle riders, emphasized the importance of the LTO providing clear timelines for resolving the backlog. He remarked that the indefinite suspension is a win for millions of riders but stressed that the agency must communicate definite solutions to prevent public uncertainty and ensure realistic compliance deadlines.
