Press Release
May 8, 2017

POE SETS HEARING ON EXTENSION OF DRIVER'S LICENSE VALIDITY

Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, will lead a public hearing on Tuesday, May 9, on measures seeking to extend the validity period of driver's licenses to lessen costs on the part of the government and motorists, streamline processes and reduce queues at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The public hearing will be held at the Senate Padilla Room at 1 p.m.

Poe's committee invited Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade, LTO Chief Asst. Sec. Edgar Galvante, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Thomas Orbos, Augusto Lagman of the Automobile Association of the Philippine, and transport leaders Zenaida Maranan of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines and George San Mateo of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston).

Included in the agenda are Senate Bill Nos. 271, 941 and 1224 filed separately by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Richard Gordon and Joseph Victor Ejercito all calling for the extension of the validity of all non-professional and professional driver's licenses from the current three years to five years.

"Aside from just extending the validity period of all driver's licenses, the public hearing will also tackle the strict regulation on the issuance of driver's licenses so that we can eliminate further injuries, damage to property and loss of lives due to lack of basic driving education and training," said Poe. "It would now take a longer time before license holders need to renew their licenses which would, in effect, save costs on the part of the motorists and the government."

Poe added that the hearing is a perfect opportunity to remind Transport officials to strictly implement penalties against erring drivers who violate traffic rules and regulations to ensure that only qualified and disciplined drivers are allowed on the streets for the interest of the public.

Under Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as amended by Batas Pambansa Bilang 398, all driver's licenses shall be valid for three consecutive years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee, except for student permits and new licenses.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he wants longer validity periods for driver's licenses and passports.

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