Raffy Tulfo seeks probe on ‘anti-poor’ process of obtaining a driver's license

Senator Raffy Tulfo is seeking a Senate investigation into what he called an “anti-poor” process of getting a driver’s license in the Philippines.

In filing proposed Senate Resolution 577, Tulfo said there were issues with the process of obtaining a driver’s license, particularly the required Theoretical Driving Course and Practical Driving Course with an LTO-accredited driving school and the “costly” medical exam and medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.

“There is a need to ensure that the process of obtaining a driver’s license is streamlined, affordable, cost-efficient, and impenetrable by fixers,” Tulfo said in his resolution.

“The issuance of new and renewal of driver’s license is imbued with public interest to monitor the capacity of our drivers to operate vehicles that is crucial for the safety of the riding public and pedestrians,” he added.

Apart from this, Tulfo raised the need to investigate the bidding process for the plastic cards needed for the printing of a driver’s license following recent reports of a shortage.

The lawmaker said the incidents surrounding the bidding for the plastic cards, as well as license plates, should be investigated to prevent the repeated problems of a shortage in crucial regulatory tools for land transportation.

Further, Tulfo also wanted the Senate to investigate the process of registering motor vehicles, particularly the requirement of Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance, which is a requirement for all motor vehicle owners in the Philippines.

He said that many motor vehicle owners already had comprehensive motor vehicle insurance, making the CTPL requirement redundant.

“The payment of both the CTPL and comprehensive motor vehicle insurance can be burdensome for many motor vehicle owners, especially those who are already struggling with the rising costs of vehicle ownership,” said Tulfo.

“It is the duty of this legislative body to address these issues and propose measures that will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services by the LTO and promote the welfare of the general public,” he added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News