LTO chief on adjusting prescribed fine of 'Doble Plaka' law: Up to Congress

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Edgar Galvante on Monday said it is in the hands of Congress if it will adjust the prescribed fine under the newly-inked Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

In a phone interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Galvante said the LTO will follow the final decision of lawmakers as regards the fine.

"Maaaring pag-usapan ito ng both houses of Congress para mag-issue sila ng kaukulang... kumbaga anumang pagbabago doon sa nakasaad na probisyon sa batas at sa LTO susundin namin kung ano 'yung finally magiging instruction," Galvante said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he will convince the LTO to suspend the implementation of the law, noting that its prescribed fine that starts at P50,000 is "too high."

Meanwhile, aside from the high fine, there are also concerns about the supposed use of metal for the license plates, which is being opposed by groups of motorcycle riders.

Galvante reiterated that it would not be made of metal.

"Actually wala namang nagsasabing metal ang gagamiting materyal kung ipapatupad nga 'yung plaka sa harap. Walang nakasaad na ang requirement ay metallic 'yung gagamitin kaya noon pang meeting na prineside ni JV Ejercito, dineny na 'yun na metal ang gagamitin," he said.

"Ang question lang doon g'ano kalaki para maging readable... 'Yung sa likuran definite na kami na metal ang gagamitin para sturdy...." Galvante added.

Earlier, Senator Richard Gordon, the main author and principal of the law, said the new measure should be given a chance to be implemented instead of suspending it.

The law was signed by Duterte on March 8. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News