License roll out
Two days ago, the Land Transportation Office finally released the plastic driver's license cards to those who have been holding temporary licenses for over a year now. One of the promises of the Duterte administration was to extend the validity of the driver's license from three years to five. With the sudden change came the burden to change the cards which prompted a backlog in the already chaotic system. There are more than 300,000 backlogs in Region 7 alone from November 2016 to 2017, not counting the past month and the rising number of those who are new registrants. The LTO said they are looking into distributing the cards within six months, but I think it could take longer.
For two days now, motorists with paper licenses are at the door of the LTO waiting for their turn to experience the new system. The delay according to the office was due to the constraints of the internet service provider. Their new system required having an internet speed of more than 10mbps, which meant having fast connection. The current state of the internet in the country coupled with the many people who want to get their cards right away, results in chaos.
Those with temporary licenses must understand that the system is coping with the many requests it has to accommodate. Is there really a need to have a plastic card? Yes and no. For one, it is an advantage to own a card which is not susceptible to tear and mutilation because of its material. On the other hand, unless you have plans of making multiple violations, the license wouldn't matter how it would look.
With the current situation the LTO is facing right now, patience is key. Not that we are tolerating the system of backlog and slow processing, it is just that it is very important to understand that this is something new for all of us. Unlike before where information is localized, there is much needed now with licenses such as biometrics and a better picture of yourself. I only hope that getting a license will require strict regulations it should. Why? I often ask myself, how come rude and reckless drivers still manage to get a license despite having no knowledge of basic traffic rules. When I got my license, I was asked if I was willing to skip the written exam and just pay a large amount in exchange for a shorter waiting time to get my card. It is time to eradicate this kind of system. We asked for change, here it is now, live up to it. Those who deserve to drive on the roads are those with proper manners and decency.
If there is no urgent need to have a plastic ID card, don't add to the problem. Wait a little longer and find time to change your paper license. What's important is that you know that you deserve being called a driver by this government agency.