GINGOOG City — The Land Transportation Office (LTO-10) is ramping up efforts to distribute new license plates for motorcycles, including tricycles and those with sidecars, to address a nationwide backlog of more than 6.3 million plates from 2017 and earlier.
As of August 6, the LTO has distributed 3,888,476 plates since beginning the effort on July 16.
In Northern Mindanao, 179,644 new plates have been given to motorists, out of a backlog of 262,363.
According to Ritche Caingles, head of the LTO District Office in Gingoog City, this push is also a part of implementing Republic Act No. 12209. The law amends the “Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act” (RA 11235) and mandates that new license plates be larger, more readable, and color-coded.
LTO-10 Director Nelson S. Manoloto said the region’s distribution strategy includes setting up collection points along national highways, in municipalities, and even in remote barangays.
Distribution will take place daily, including weekends, to ensure motorists can claim their plates.
“The presence of LTO law enforcers on national highways is not to arrest violators but to distribute new license plates,” Manoloto said, adding that motorists should collect their plates as they have already paid for them.
Even if a motorcycle’s registration has been expired for up to four years, owners can still collect their new plate, though they will need to renew their registration afterward.
Manoloto clarified that the green-colored license plates are not part of the current replacement program.
