Senator Grace Poe has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to strictly enforce its licensing guidelines to ensure that only qualified, responsible individuals are granted the privilege to drive.
“The fatal road crashes that have killed and maimed motorists must serve as a wake-up call for transportation officials to enforce the rules on licensing to the letter,” Poe said, following a tragic multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway on May 1 that claimed at least 10 lives—including four children—and left dozens injured.
Poe extended her condolences to the victims’ families and urged swift and decisive action from transportation authorities.
She emphasized that road safety hinges on having qualified, skilled, law-abiding drivers behind the wheel. “They are the only ones who should possess a driving license,” she said.
Poe also highlighted the intent behind Republic Act No. 10930, a law she authored that extended the validity of driver’s licenses from five to 10 years for motorists with clean records.
“We pushed for this law to create a system that not only streamlines government service but also reinforces responsible driving behavior,” Poe explained. “It rewards law-abiding drivers and encourages others to follow suit.”
The law includes strict safeguards, such as mandatory driver education seminars, comprehensive exams, and provisions for license suspension or revocation for violations. It also penalizes both corrupt officials and dishonest applicants. Transportation officers who issue licenses without proper testing or who collude with unqualified applicants face fines and sanctions. Similarly, applicants caught cheating or falsifying documents may be fined P20,000.
Poe called on the LTO and related agencies to remain vigilant in upholding road safety standards.
“Let’s penalize violators and reward those with clean records. A driver’s license is not a right—it’s a privilege that comes with serious responsibilities,” she said.
