LTO eyes higher CTPL coverage, stricter driver training requirements

The Land Transportation Office is pushing to increase the benefits under the Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance for road accident victims.

According to an Unang Balita report on Tuesday, the agency proposed raising the maximum coverage per accident to P400,000, double the current P200,000.

Based on a draft circular from the Insurance Commission, public utility vehicle operators would need to pay around P500 more in premiums to support the expanded coverage.

Several transport groups expressed support for the plan, noting that it would provide greater protection for passengers and victims. They also urged regulators to apply the same premium increase to private vehicles to ensure fairness among motorists.

Apart from insurance, the LTO is also studying stricter requirements for professional driver’s licenses.

For truck and bus drivers, the proposal includes 32 hours of combined theoretical and practical training and tests. For drivers of tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys, and cars, the plan adds four additional hours of lectures and practical exams.

Consultations with the transport sector are ongoing, with the LTO saying it will consider more recommendations before finalizing the policy changes. —Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News