LTO URGED TO ADDRESS 12.5M LICENSE PLATE BACKLOG

Senator Francis Tolentino called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to resolve its license plate backlog instead of enforcing a Dec. 31 deadline on improvised plates. Motorcyclists protested the deadline, citing unfair penalties amid the 12.5 million plate backlog, with 9.1 million affecting motorcycles. Tolentino urged an extension, noting that the backlog prevents compliance and penalizes riders unjustly. A proposed bill to replace double plates with radio frequency identification stickers has passed the Senate, aiming for a fairer system. The LTO faces pressure to deliver official plates before implementing new penalties.