LTO-7 resumes release of more than 19,000 MV plates in CV, opens largest district office

CEBU CITY—The Land Transportation Office (LTO-7) here started releasing and distribution of 19,302 MV plates for brand new four-wheel vehicles Thursday, October 22 at SM Seaside City Cebu and is set to open its largest LTO-Cebu City District Office (CCDO) on October 26 at Robinsons Galleria Mall.

LTO-7 regional director Victor Emmanuel Caindec said that these two events are cognizant of the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He went on that before anyone can claim their MV plates, the public is advised to book for a schedule first so that the LTO-7 personnel can prepare the plate.

“Booking is simple.  Just send a text with the information of the plate number and MV file number, date of first registration, and name of the owner to 0947-349-9965.  The text line is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM,” Caindec added.

LTO-7 started releasing the MV plates on February 13, 2020 with 1,941 plates were released.   It ceased its releasing operations on March 17due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Plates from 2015 and 2016 are now available except for some plate series such as GEB 2999 to GEB 9895 and GEC 1220 to GEC 2000.   Special plates from January to June 2015 and 2016, and from January to April 2017 can also be claimed at the distribution center at SM City, Caindec added.

In another development, the LTO Cebu City District Office, the largest LTO office in Central Visayas is set to open and start serving the Cebuanos on Monday, October 26, located inside Robinsons Galleria Mall in Cebu City.  

LTO Cebu City District Office Chief Joel Maloloy-on in statement to media said that the LTO-Cebu City District Office is a 405 sq.m. floor area and can accommodate up to 150 people in one seating.  “But due to the pandemic and physical distancing, the office can temporarily accommodate 75-100 people in one seating.” 

The Office also features a single-window transaction to eliminate long waiting time, Maloloy-on said that currently, the LTO CCDO is located at N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City and the computers are set to be transferred this week to finalize its operations at the new location.

Aside from adopting a single-window transaction, LTO-CCDO also has 16 counters, an examination room, a server room, a supply office, a records room for all the documents and among others, he added.

Maloloy-on explained that the LTO-CCDO offers full services of all licensing and registration transactions though it still waits for the approval from its Central office to operate on the licensing transactions.

Maloloy-on added that the operations at the CCDO will be extended since they are inside the mall.  It will open at 10AM and will close at 7PM.  This gives time and convenience for the transacting public.  The CCDO is also open during Saturdays.

Currently, LTO-7 has 14 district offices, 2 extension offices, 4 licensing centers, 3 driver's license renewal office (DLRO), 1 e-patrol, and 1 Malasakit Lounge.

 Caindec, meanwhile thanked the executives of Robinsons Galleria for helping the LTO here on the renovation of the office.  It is reported that Robinsons Galleria spent P8 million for the renovation of the biggest LTO office in Central Visayas and in the whole of Visayas as well. (Photos: LTO-7)