ILOILO City — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has tightened its driver’s license screening process, enforcing stricter rules aimed at eliminating unqualified drivers and restoring public trust in the system.
The move comes as LTO Region 6 implements a sweeping overhaul of its licensing procedures, highlighted by a firm “no appearance, no license” policy and stricter compliance with training requirements to ensure that only competent and roadworthy drivers are granted licenses.
This initiative stems from a consultative meeting conducted along with LTO District Office Chiefs, division heads, and key personnel, led by LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II, in which the focus was on implementing stricter standards aimed at only allowing qualified drivers on the roads.
A cornerstone of this new set of directives is the rigorous enforcement of the “no appearance, no license” policy.
This policy, a priority directive from LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, mandates that all driver’s license applicants must physically appear at the designated offices to process their applications.
Director Geduspan made it clear that the LTO will issue licenses solely to applicants who are genuinely deemed “fit to drive.”
“We have zero tolerance for shortcuts and irregularities. Road safety cannot be compromised,” Geduspan asserted, emphasizing the responsibility of the agency to uphold high standards in the licensing process.
Director Geduspan highlighted the significance of having evaluators and public assistance officers maintain an unwavering commitment to these guidelines.
He insisted on the urgency of increased vigilance and integrity in transactions, stating that each applicant must be thoroughly vetted to guarantee their readiness for safe driving.
“The public’s trust in our agency hinges on our ability to ensure only those properly trained and assessed receive their licenses,” he stressed.
Additionally, the new directives underscore the importance of compliance with both theoretical and practical driving course requirements.
Ensuring that applicants have completed comprehensive training is vital for evaluating their competence and readiness to operate a vehicle.
By mandating adherence to these requirements, the LTO seeks to establish a robust safety net that minimizes the risks associated with unqualified drivers on the road.
Supporting these initiatives, Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu echoed Geduspan’s sentiments and reinforced the necessity for meticulous adherence to the newly instituted guidelines.
“We are here to serve the public while ensuring that only competent individuals are granted the privilege of driving,” Conlu remarked.
In light of these substantial changes, Geduspan took a moment to commend the efforts and dedication of LTO-6 personnel, noting that the Regional Office consistently ranks among the top-performing offices nationwide.
“Our team’s hard work is commendable, but we must remain steadfast in our mission,” he concluded, rallying his staff towards unifying efforts in this crucial initiative.
The newly launched measures by LTO-6 not only aim to refine the licensing process but also reflect a broader commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring responsible road usage throughout Region 6./PN
