THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is planning to hold a summit in July to resolve contentious issues including confiscation of an erring driver’s license for traffic violations – who has authority to do it?

LTO chief Arturo Lomibao said he will invite representatives of local government units and the Highway Patrol.

He noted that even personnel of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), who are not deputized by the LTO, are confiscating driver’s licenses.

Lomibao maintained that under Republic Act No. 4136, only the LTO or its duly deputized representatives can confiscate driver’s licenses.

“I am speaking in behalf of the law,” Lomibao said, stopping short of saying that the confiscation of driver’s license being made by POSO men here in Dagupan and elsewhere is illegal.

Lomibao made the clarification following numerous reports reaching him that even members of POSOs of LGUs are confiscating driver’s licenses and issuing citation tickets, instead of the usual temporary operating permits (TOP).

He said the illegal confiscation leads to more administrative problems, i.e., drivers merely execute an affidavit of loss and LTO in turn has to issue a new license.

Since the LTO national office is still not linked with all LGUs nationwide, it has no way of verifying claimed losses.

“This has been a lingering problem between the LTO and LGUs that dates back many, many years ago,” he said, stressing that there is a need to harmonize the operations of LTO, POSOs and Highway Patrol for the good of the public.

Lomibao also clarified that under the law, only two persons are allowed to ride a motorcycle at the same time and both must wear crash helmets.

Back to Homepage

He said three or more persons riding on a motorcycle is illegal and should be banned to ensure public safety.—LM

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments