After backlash, DOTr orders LTO to halt confiscation of drivers' licenses

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January 9, 2026 | 6:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office has been ordered to suspend the confiscation of driver’s licenses and extend the period for motorists to settle traffic violations, following a directive from its parent agency.

In a memorandum circular, the Department of Transportation instructed the LTO to halt the confiscation of licenses of apprehended drivers while it reviews its existing guidelines.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez also ordered the LTO to revisit all related issuances to ensure consistency across policies.

Under the revised rules, the period for settling traffic apprehension cases has been extended from 15 calendar days to 15 working days, excluding weekends and holidays.

“This is to afford both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases,” the DOTr said.

“Ibig sabihin po nito, hindi kasama ’yung mga holiday at long weekend sa bilang ng araw kapag magse-settle ng violation ’yung driver,” Lopez said.

(“This means holidays and long weekends are not counted in the period for settling a violation.”)

What went before

The DOTr did not cite a specific incident that prompted the issuance, but the LTO recently faced public criticism following a viral post by vlogger James Deakin.

Deakin questioned LTO procedures after his son was issued a citation for reckless driving during the holiday season.

The vlogger said that they tried to settle the ticket fairly, but was suddenly asked by the LTO to show the official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR). This added another challenge for Deakin, as the car did not belong to them. 

When they were eventually able to secure the documents, Deakin said the LTO informed them that the settlement period had already lapsed, with holidays counted toward the deadline despite agency offices being closed.

“The government gives you 15 days. Then closes for more than half of them. Demands documents that have nothing to do with the violation. Won’t accept digital copies in 2026. Then penalizes you for being late,” Deakin said in his post.

The LTO defended its actions at a press briefing, stressing that the traffic violation itself was valid. Deakin, however, said he was not disputing the citation but was questioning what he described as an unfair settlement process.

In a separate post, Deakin said the Anti-Red Tape Authority had since prompted the LTO to acknowledge that the OR/CR is not a requirement for settling a traffic violation.