The House Resolution No. 2325 was introduced by Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro, he confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) through Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar, acceded the resolution which is “to immediately remove the additional requirement of acquiring a certification of completion of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) for people renewing their driver’s licenses.” by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The CDE was imposed by the LTO under the supervision of DOTr as a prerequisite in renewing driver’s licenses which can be acquired through LTO-accredited driving schools for P3,000 to P5,000.
Read: How to get Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Certificate
According to the DOJ, the CDE “is a function necessary, proper and incidental to the power of the LTO to issue driver’s licenses.” However, “it is a function that properly pertains to the LTO and it is not contemplated by EO No. 1101, series of 1985, that said function be performed by an LTO-accredited driving school or institution.” The DOJ added, “for this reason, we support the adoption of House Resolution 2325.”
The Land Transportation Office formerly known as Land Transporation Commission until Marcos era was generated by EO 1101.
As the CDE can be obtained without charges at the LTO offices, drivers congestion became evident and alarming especially with the surge of COVID-19 and Omicron variant. “The convergence of people at this time in LTO offices, many of which are just cramped spaces in malls, could be a virus super spreader. I’m sure LTO officials and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade are aware of this,” Rodriguez noted.
He also pointed out that paying P3000 to P5000 for the CDE would be a pain in the pocket of PUV drivers and car owners. Arousing the suspicion of corruption if the LTO will proceed with the CDE requirement through its accredited-driving schools. As per Rodriquez’s statement, LTO should be keeping keen eyes on first-time drivers who want to get driving permits instead of drivers who seek for license renewal.
“We welcome the DOJ stand on our call, contained in our House Resolution 2325. We hope that the DOTr and the LTO will now finally listen and cease from imposing this requirement,” he declared.
Read Also: Updated LTO Fees For Student Permits, New License Etc.
Source: OneNews