Lawmaker backs suspension of fines on temporary plates

A CONGRESSMAN on Tuesday urged the government to keep the suspension of penalties on drivers using temporary plates, citing the unresolved backlog in official license plate issuance.

“Before we talk about imposing fines, let’s first make sure the system is in order,” Deputy Majority Leader and Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo “Rodge” L. Gutierrez said in a statement.

Land Transportation Office chief Markus V. Lacanilao on Monday ordered the suspension of an order implementing a fine on those using temporary plates.

“This decision reflects a commitment to fairness and responsiveness to the needs of our constituents,” said Mr. Gutierrez, adding that the suspension could pave the way for the agency to come up with solutions to ensure the timely delivery of plate releases.

The government had resolved the backlog in vehicle license plates that had accumulated since the past decade, then-Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said in July. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio