Marcos approves extending validity of registration for new vehicles to five years

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the Department of Transportation's proposal to extend the validity of registration for new vehicles to five years. 

In a statement on Feb. 4, the DOTr shared that it's eyeing to implement the policy for new cars and motorcycles on Feb. 15. Currently, the registration of new cars and motorcycles is valid for three years.

Acting Transportation Sec. Giovanni Lopez told DZRH in an interview that Marcos gave the initial green light with some conditions. "Make sure na meron pa ring road worthiness check to ensure the road worthiness of these vehicles," he said, as per Lopez.

The transportation secretary added that it's currently in talks with the Land Transportation Office to issue a department order and memorandum circular on the matter.

Lopez also explained that this move comes as the validity of registration for new vehicles should mirror the six to seven-year warranty for the brand new cars and motorcycles.

“Kumbaga nag-level up itong mga casa, mag-le-level up din tayo sa mga polisiya natin," he said in a separate interview with DZMM Teleradyo.

"But more than that, [dahil sa extension ng validity] maiiwasan natin ‘yung mahabang pila sa LTO sa mga magre-renew na naman, tapos may issue rin ng fixers at corruption, at again, [priority natin] ‘yung convenience ng public."

Lopez continued that when the brand new vehicle reaches its fourth year, it will undergo a roadworthiness check. Owners then need to have their registration renewed when it reaches its sixth year and every year after.

"Ang rason po dyan, habang tumatagal o tumatanda ang ating sasakyan, it becomes less reliable because of depreciation or wear and tear. Mas kailangan ang LTO na magkaroon pa rin ng comprehensive roadworthiness check," Lopez said.

In a press briefing on Feb. 3, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Malacañang expects that this proposal will reduce the frequency of vehicle registration transactions and shorten lines at government offices.