SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

DATE:

(cen
ein —

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1.8. No.

Introduced by Representative Rolando G. Andaya Jr.

AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF A DRIVER’S LICENSE FROM
THREE (3) TO FIVE (5) YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 23
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4136, AS AMENDED BY BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 398,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE

Explanatory Note

The 2015 Anti-red tape Act (ARTA) survey, conducted by the Civil
Service Commission (CSC), ranked the Land Transportation Office as
‘one of the worst agencies in doing away with bureaucratic red-tape’.
Moreover, the survey consistently ranked LTO from 2013 to 2015 as
having the highest number of complaints. These complaints include the
increasing presence of “fixers” which hinders the efficient delivery of
frontline services and lengthens the administrative process of obtaining
license cards and number plates. Recently, the LTO has faced backlash
over its apparent lack of capacity to issue driver's license cards in a
reasonable amount of time. Currently, the LTO issues paper receipts in
lieu of driver’s license plastic cards.

In order to streamline the application process and make it more
convenient for the public, the Department of Transportation (DTr) issued
Administrative Order No. 2016-34 which extended the validity of driver's
license from three (3) to five (5) years beginning October 2016. This will
minimize the frequency of the public’s transaction with the LTO which
will significantly reduce red-tape within the agency. This bill specifically
aims to translate the Administrative Order into Law by amending
Section 23 of Republic Act no. 4136 which will permanently extend the
validity of driver’s license from three (3) to five (5) years without
condition. This will significantly reduce processing costs for both the

* httpuwvw. bworkdoniine.com/content,php2section=Economyatitle=gsis-hdmt-top-rated-for-culting-red-tape-to-
worstaid=101644


government and the public thereby addressing corruption and
irregularities that currently persists in the agency.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is eagerly sought.

/
AY

ROLANGIO G, ANDAYA Jr.
V


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES.
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF EPR RRA TIVES

Introduced by Representative Rolando G. Andaya Jr.

AN ACT
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF A DRIVER’S LICENSE FROM
THREE (3) TO FIVE (5) YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 23
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO, 4136, AS AMENDED BY BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 398,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the
Land Transportation and Traffic code, as amended, is hereby further amended to
read as follows:

"Sec. 23. Issuance of driver's license, fees and validity. — If, after such
examination, the Director or his deputies find that the applicant possesses the
necessary qualification and proficiency in the operation of motor vehicles, is
able to read and write any of the official languages or a major dialect and
knows how to read and interpret various traffic signs, signals and road
markings, a professional or nonprofessional license may be issued to such
applicant upon payment of the fee prescribed in accordance with law, but prior
to the issuance of said license, the applicant shall present himself in person
and have his photograph taken by the bureau. All driver's licenses issued
shall be signed in the presence of the Director or his deputies and shall bear,
among others, the full name, date of birth, height, weight, sex, color of eyes,
blood type, complete current address, right hand thumbprint of the licensee,
license number, and its date of issue and expiration.

"In the issuance of licenses, the Bureau shall use such process or adopt such
measure as will prevent any alteration or falsification of a license or will
enable the Bureau to detect any unauthorized license.

“Except for student permits and new licenses, all driver's licenses shall be
valid for [three (3)] FIVE (5) consecutive years reckoned from the birthdate of
the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended. [Provided, however, That,
subject to Section twenty-six hereof, any holder of a professional or
nonprofessional driver's license who has not committed any violation during


24

the three-year period shall be entitled to a renewal of such license for five-
year period.]

X X xX"

SECTION 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department of Transportation, upon the recommendation of the Land Transportation
Office Assistant Secretary, promulgate not later than thirty (30) days from the
effectivity of this Act the necessary rules and regulations for its effective
implementation

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed and modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is
subsequently declared unconstitutional, the validity of the remaining provisions
hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect (15) days after
after its complete publication either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

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