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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a proposal to extend the registration validity of brand-new vehicles to five years
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The measure aims to reduce inconvenience, long queues, fixers, and corruption at Land Transportation Office sites
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Annual renewal resumes after the fifth year, with roadworthiness checks required
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Department of Transportation, LTO to issue implementing orders
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Rollout targeted on Feb. 15
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a proposal by Transportation acting secretary Giovanni Lopez to extend the registration validity of brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to five years, up from the current three-year period.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief, in a press release, said the President agreed with the proposal as the longer registration validity would make vehicle ownership more convenient and less burdensome for motorists.
Lopez said the policy aligns with the longer warranties now offered by many car dealers, noting that government regulations must also “level up.”
He added that extending registration validity will help ease congestion at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), reduce opportunities for fixers and corruption, and most importantly, prioritize public convenience.
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The extended registration period is also expected to avoid more cases of motorists who fail to renew their vehicle registration after the initial three years.
Lopez emphasized that vehicle registration must be renewed starting on the sixth year and annually thereafter. He said the rationale is that as vehicles age, they become less reliable due to depreciation and wear and tear, making it necessary for the LTO to conduct comprehensive roadworthiness checks.
He also appealed to car dealers and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc., to consider providing free five-year registration for brand-new vehicles to help reduce costs for motorists.
He noted that about 80-90% of car dealers currently offer free registration as an incentive.
The DOTr and the LTO are expected to issue a department order and memorandum circular detailing the new policy, which is targeted for implementation on Feb. 15.
