LTO wants to outsource driver's license printing to NPO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said they would run out of plastic cards to produce driver’s licenses by the end of April. It is now the first week of May. Thankfully, the agency is looking for alternative solutions to this paper-driver’s-license fiasco.

First reported by the Philippine Star, a new government agency-to-agency emergency procurement deal is being ironed out between the LTO and National Printing Office (NPO). Under this agreement, the NPO will produce an initial five million plastic driver’s license cards and deliver them to the LTO within 60 days.

According to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jamie Bautista, he is already in deep discussions with NPO director Carlos Bathan since Tuesday (May 2). After receiving the terms of reference from the DOTr, Bathan said the final proposal is expected within the week.

While the DOTr continues to find solutions to the driver’s license problem - and the vehicle plates issue - Land Transportation Office Chief Jayart Tugade has extended the validity of driver’s licenses expiring from April 24 to October 31, 2023.

While some groups are against a government-to-government procurement arrangement, citing a lack of transparency, others are for it to prevent motorists from receiving a paper copy of their driver's license.