License renewal centers in malls to start serving public even on Saturdays

Good news for those too busy to have their licenses renewed on weekdays: Driver's license renewal centers located in malls will be open on Saturdays starting this month.

According to GMA News' Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras", the LTO has issued a memorandum directing all driver's license renewal offices in malls to operate and process applications for renewal of driver's licenses, as well as issue student permits, on Saturdays. 

"Karamihan po kasi mga nag-o-opisina, nagta-trabaho, wala po silang time mag-renew pag weekdays," LTO law enforcement director Francis Ray Almora said.

"So naghihingi sila po ng araw na puwede silang mag-renew ng licenses na hindi na po kailangang mag-absent," said the LTO official.

The thought of not having to miss work to get their driver's licenses renewed brought relief to several applicants, unlike Tod Oliveros who had to pay the penalty of P800 after failing to get his license renewed during the week due to his busy work schedule.

"Kailangan mo lumiban or maaga 7 a.m. nandito ka na para makahabol ka sa office... Sasadyain mo lang talaga siya," he said.

The LTO said applicants are allowed to have licenses renewed as early as two months prior to the expiration date.

Applicants are also advised to book their appointments online using the LTO's personal appointment scheduling system (PASS) for faster processing. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News