The Land Transportation Office (LTO) warned motorists about people charging fees for the hassle-free claiming of vehicle license plates.
The warning came after several reports said that certain people were offering to claim license plates in exchange for P200, as it urged the public to report the incident if it occurred.
“I am telling our kababayan now na hindi po totoo yan, meron na po tayong mga inihandang sistema para maging maayos, at mabilis ang distribution process,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said on Sunday.
“And take note, libre po ito kaya I am asking our kababayan to immediately report to us kung sino ang nanghihingi ng pera para makuha ang kanilang plaka dahil sisiguraduhin ko mismo na mapaparusahan ang mga taong ito,” he added.
Meanwhile, he stated that distribution has begun in various areas of the country, particularly in the Bicol Region.
The chief said that the LTO offices in Sorsogon and Naga City in Camarines Sur conducted a partial distribution of replacement plates on Aug. 11.
He added that the LTO will come up with an appointment system for a systematic and orderly distribution of unclaimed license plates, including in malls that are being eyed as distribution sites.
LTO earlier said that it will use mystery applicants to identify lapses in LTO operations and improve their service.
