LTO drops 2-plate policy for motorbikes

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office on Tuesday junked the proposal of the Philippines National Police (PNP) to impose a two-plate policy system for the motorbikes, a report in GMA’s 24 Oras said Tuesday. In his report, Jun Veneracion said LTO chief Alberto Suansing clarified before motorcycle owners and riders during a dialogue that the proposal did not come from his office contrary to earlier reports. “Kung LTO-driven ‘yung proposal na ‘yan, eh di sana noon pa. Tatlong plaka pa nga ang gusto nila mangyari eh (If that proposal came from the LTO, we could’ve implemented it long time ago. The PNP even wants a three-plate policy),” Suansing said. Motorcycle owners and riders have expressed strong opposition to the two-plate policy system, saying it will be an added financial burden to them. Also, they said a plate number placed in front will not look good on a motorcyle. Suansing, however, said it they will push through with the implementation of the administrative order they issued for motorcycle riders. The said order prohibits motorists from wearing flip-flops, sandals, slippers or being bare-footed while riding a motorcycle in major thoroughfares; and carrying more than one passenger as a back rider in national and city roads. The measure also ordered motorcycle riders to always wear helmets at all times. Suansing said those who will be caught violating the orders will be meted with respective fines. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV