LTO Clarifies: Local Traffic Enforcers Cannot Confiscate Driver's Licenses

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has clarified that traffic enforcers deployed by local government units (LGUs) have no legal authority to confiscate the driver’s license of a motorist, contrary to a recent statement issued by the city government of Bacoor in Cavite. In a statement on Thursday, the LTO said existing policies restrict the confiscation of driver’s licenses for traffic violations to LTO personnel and police officers only, and that LGU traffic enforcers are not authorized to do so. This clarification comes after Bacoor City's announcement, which could have led to a misunderstanding that its traffic enforcers could directly confiscate licenses from traffic violators. The LTO urged the public to report any instances of undue license confiscation through official LTO channels. This issue highlights significant questions regarding the locus of authority in traffic law enforcement within the Philippines and the protection of citizens' rights. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo