LTO: Services are not limited to online payment options only

The Land Transportation Office has clarified that there are no restrictions on payment methods for its services.

In a press release on Feb. 2, the agency said that it has not issued any order limiting transactions to online payment only.

"All LTO offices, district offices, extension offices, and allied service providers are authorized to accept multiple modes of payment," it began. "Clients have the full right to choose their preferred method—including cash, card, and other electronic payment channels as available."

"Any restriction of payment options to online payment only is unauthorized and not in line with LTO policies."

The LTO added that convenience fees in electronic payment channels are "not imposed by the agency" and are not reflected on its official receipts.

"These fees are collected by third-party payment service providers to cover the costs of their infrastructure and services," it explained.

This comes as some social media users shared photos of certain branches with signs stating that they do not accept cash payment methods. Meanwhile, the online payment methods accepted include convenience fees of up to P60 or more.

"Huwag niyo ipasa sa consumer 'yung paggamit [at] pag-accept niyo ng digital payment," one wrote in the comments. "Shoulder niyo dapat 'yun[.]"

"'Di ba pwedeng gobyerno na [magbayad] ng [convenience] fee sa mga third party? Para namang wala kayong budget," chimed in another.

The LTO has also urged the public to report instances of unauthorized payment restrictions or unclear charges to LTO personnel at district offices, extension offices, allied service providers, or through its official social media platforms.

The services the office offers include driver's license issuance and renewal, motor vehicle registration, law enforcement and traffic adjudication, and accreditation of manufacturers, assemblers, importers, rebuilders, and dealers, among others.