ILOILO CITY, Philippines —The additional requirements imposed on applications for and renewal of professional driver’s license will actually redound to public safety, said the Land Transportation Office-6.
Director Mario Singzon of the LTO said in a radio interview that under the Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Issuance of Professional Driver’s Licenses and Conductor’s Licenses, those securing licenses must present a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation complete with receipts.
The requirement is on top of the usual medical clearance and their licenses.
Singzon said the clearance is needed to prove that the applicant has not been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude or reckless imprudence resulting to injuries or death.
The order took effect November 9, which elicited some reactions from the drivers’ associations.
Singzon said the additional requirements are needed in the wake of many road accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and prohibited drugs.
“We just want to protect the riding public and commuters,” he added.
“We would like fit and capable drivers navigating our public transport services,” Singzon said.
Under this administrative order, driver-applicants who have accrued two or more citations for reckless driving in a given license validity period shall be disqualified.
Singzon said their new guideline is not just about being strict on the issuance of a driver’s license but also on rewarding law-abiding motorists.
“Those who have not been cited for any violation within the three-year validity of their driver’s license, shall be entitled to apply for a five-year validity once they renew,” Singzon said
LTO: Additional requirements to ensure public safety
