Photo by Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO
COTABATO CITY—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently issued a Memorandum, dated Feb. 20, 2023, addressing the issue of the non-recognition of Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office-issued driver’s licenses outside BARMM.
Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista advised thru the said memorandum that all Land Transportation Offices outside BARMM and other concerned agencies must recognize the BLTO-issued licenses provided that these are in accordance with BLTO’s guidelines in the identification and verification.
However, this is just a temporary measure to avoid further confusion and inconvenience to motorists and LTO personnel while awaiting for the pending decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on BLTO’s jurisdiction and authority.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) officially took over the management and operation of the Land Transportation district offices in Maguindanao and Marawi.
This was after a simultaneous turnover was held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
MOTC Minister Atty Paisalin Tago said that the turnover was by the provisions of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), stating that all offices and premises belonging to BARMM should be turned over to Bangsamoro Government.
“It is a great honor and it is a historic moment in the history of BARMM, noon pa ito, kaya lang may mga legal and technicalities involved hindi na-turn over. BASULTA and Cotabato City were turned over earlier,” said Tago.
“We are thankful for the reception of our neighbor Region-12 employees. The collaboration and coordination between our agencies should continue to tackle the emerging issue like non-recognition of our issuance of license among others,” he added.
LTO-12 representative Elmer Obhelidhon said, “pursuant to the memorandum issued by the Regional Director, implementing the memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary in compliance with the directive of the secretary of DOTC, we are very grateful because our turnover was successful.” (Majid Nur/BIO)
