MANILA, Philippines – The bill extending the validity of driver’s license to 5 years is one step closer to getting passed into law after the House of Representatives approved it on 3rd and final reading on Monday, May 22.

Lawmakers gave their nod to House Bill Number 5648, with all 221 lawmakers present during the plenary session voting yes.

In his sponsorship speech for the measure last week, committee on transportation chairperson Cesar Sarmiento cited some of the benefits of the bill.

“Extending the validity of the driver’s license cards means there will be a reduction of transactions costs for the people. Extending the validity of licenses mean saving money, time, and other resources,” said the Catanduanes representative. 

HB 5648 seeks to amend Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which currently sets the validity of a driver’s license to 3 years. The panel approved the bill in principle on May 4. Lawmakers approved it on 2nd reading on May 16.

The Senate’s version of the bill was already approved by the committee on public service. Panel chairperson and Senator Grace Poe said the Senate will approve the bill on 3rd and final reading by this month.  

On Tuesday, the House also ratified the bicameral conference report on the measure extending the validity of the Philippine passport from the current 5 years to 10 years. The Senate passed the bill on 3rd and final reading on Monday, while the House approved its own version in February. – Rappler.com