Bill extending driver’s license validity gains traction in House

A House of Representatives’ panel has formed a technical working group that will consolidate seven bills seeking to extend the validity of drivers’ licenses to five years. (Photo: Land Transportation Office/Facebook)

MANILA—A House of Representatives’ panel has formed a technical working group that will consolidate seven bills seeking to extend the validity of drivers’ licenses to five years.

The House Committee on Transportation approved a motion to create the TWG, which will be headed by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel.

Committee chair and Samar Rep. Cesar Sarmiento said the bills seek to ease congestion in the Land Transportation Office (LTO), therefore boosting the government’s anti-red tape campaign.

The bills will also address public complaints regarding renewal of licenses such as shortages of plastic cards, and legal issues surrounding the cards’ procurement, among others.

Sarmiento, however, called on the LTO to impose stringent measures in its licensing processes to raise the quality of drivers plying the roads.

For his part, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante expressed support to the proposed bills, noting that the agency is already issuing licenses valid for five years since October last year.

Galvante assured lawmakers that the agency is reviewing its examination and licensing procedures for the different types of applicants and uses.

Meanwhile, the backlog in the issuance of plastic cards will be addressed by August, the LTO official said.