Recto: Extend validity of car registration, driver’s license

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate will conduct public hearings on proposals to extend the motor vehicle registration and driver’s license validity dates when it resumes session next month, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said on Saturday, June 27.

Recto said in a statement that senators are set to file resolutions calling for public hearings to study the feasibility of extending the validity of both car and driving permits.

“We will be crowdsourcing ideas on how this can be done. We’ll be getting the views from all sides, from those who apply for these licenses and those who issue them,” he said.

At present, registration for a brand-new car is valid for 3 years, and is then renewed annually.

A driver’s license is valid for 3 years as well, with the expiration date falling on the license holder’s birthday. (READ: Aquino lines up at LTO, renews driver’s license)

Recto said the benefits of the proposed extension period for car owners and drivers are obvious but it may be the same for regulatory agencies that will be asked to air their possible concerns about the scheme.

Anti-red tape app

According to Recto, extending the validity periods of car and driving permits is the “best anti-red tape app.” (READ: The fixing business at LTO)

“It is commonsensical and costs nothing. Dumarami ang sasakyan. ‘Di naman dumarami ang Land Transportation Office (LTO) branches na puwede mong pagdalhan ng kotseng irerehistro,” he said.

(It is commonsensical and costs nothing. The volume of cars is increasing, but the number of Land Transportation Office branches where you can bring your cars to register is not increasing at the same time.)

The senator said that concerns that a longer validity period will cut government income have “no basis,” as the application fees can just be adjusted accordingly.

“Basta ang importante, wala ng annual pilgrimage sa LTO (What’s important is that there will no longer be an annual pilgrimage to the LTO),” he said.

Recto clarified, however, that the LTO will have to modify its car pollution check procedures for registrants once the validity period is lengthened by law.

“[That’s why we want to] find the sweet spot that will lengthen the effectivity [dates] without sacrificing safety and roadworthiness,” Recto said. – Mara Cepeda/Rappler.com