MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) lauded the release of a memorandum by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminding traffic enforcers that only LTO enforcers may confiscate driver’s licenses.
In a statement on Friday, the LTO said the memorandum, addressed to traffic enforcers from local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is in accordance with a decision from the Supreme Court based on provisions under Republic Act No. 10930.
“Ang deputized agents lamang [ng LTO] ang may mandato ng batas na magkumpiska ng mga lisensya ng mga motoristang lumalabag (Only deputized agents of the LTO are mandated by law to confiscate the driver’s license of an errant motorist),” it said.
The DILG’s move highlights the LTO as the leading law enforcement agency in implementing traffic laws and the safety of the motoring public.
“Ikinalugod ng LTO ang nasabing utos ng DILG sa mga LGU at sa lokal na puwersa ng pulisya sa buong bansa (The LTO thanks the DILG for its order to LGUs and the local police in the entire country),” it said.
The memorandum has opened an opportunity for collaboration between the LTO, DILG, and LGUs to boost the campaign for road safety and discipline, it added.
Earlier, the DILG released a memorandum titled “Reiteration of Pertinent Provisions on Road Safety and Transportation” dated Sept. 14.
It noted that while LGUs may issue traffic citation tickets, only the LTO and its deputized agents can confiscate a driver’s license.
It also called on LGUs to review their ordinances, orders, and local policies to ensure conformity and compliance with the said provision and the entire DILG-DOTC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s., 2008. (PNA)
