DOTr in talks with gov’t printing office for production of driver’s license cards

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering coordinating with two trusted government printers to produce driver's license cards to address the current shortage, which has resulted in many drivers receiving paper licenses instead.

The DOTr is in exploratory discussions with the National Printing Office (NPO), a government-run printer that produces government standard forms used in the collection of taxes and fees for government transactions.

Bautista is also considering coordinating with the APO Production Unit (APO), another government-owned printer.

According to existing laws and regulations, the Central Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) needs further information before concluding an “agency-to-agency arrangement” through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

It has been reported that the Central BAC is currently holding a “competitive bidding” to acquire these license cards, with a deadline of May 24.

The Central BAC is also working with potential bidders on any concerns or suggestions regarding the terms of reference that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) submitted on March 21.

The LTO previously stated that it will print driver's licenses on paper as it runs out of the necessary cards, and that it will also run out of license plates for motorcycles and motor vehicles in June and July, respectively.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade pointed out that the DOTr, which is in charge of procuring these materials, postponed the bid submission deadline from April 24 to May 24, putting more delay.

However, Bautista said that the LTO should have begun the procurement process for license cards and plates in August of last year, when the 2023 budget was submitted to Congress. He claimed that the LTO only started the procurement process in March.

Photos from Department of Transportation

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