The Land Transportation Office of the Philippines

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Historical Background

The concept of land transportation system in the Philippines started when our ancestors invented means of locomotion. The early means of transportation used was animals in moving people and goods from place to place. Although the means of land transportation during the early days were not as sophisticated as the modern vehicles of today and the roads were as well constructed, the early Filipinos also observed some forms of laws to govern their mobility. These laws were as informal and simple as specifying which animal could be used for certain purposes. However, the existence of these rules showed that our ancestors had already felt the need to regulate the transportation system.

As early as 1910, few motor vehicles were seen operating in the public highways in Manila and suburbs.

Better means of transportation were invented and introduced in the country. Gradually, the Filipinos learned to use cars, trucks, jeeps and other types of vehicles. The means of transportation became better and powerful and the laws governing land travel became more formal and sophisticated.

On February 6, 1912, Legislative Act No. 2159 was enacted to regulate motor vehicles in the Philippine Islands and to provide for the regulation and licensing of operators. This was the first formal law on land transportation. This law created an Automobile Section under the Administrative Division of the Bureau of Public Works. The Section was tasked to take charge of motor vehicles and drivers' services. Later on, Legislative Act 2159 was amended by 2256, 2389, 2587, 2639 and 2925.

In 1922, Act No. 3045 was passed into law compiling and incorporating all laws governing motor vehicles. The Automobile Section was upgraded to the Automobile Division still under the Bureau of Public Works.

On January 1, 1933, Act No. 3992 0therwise known as the "Revised Motor Vehicle Law" was enacted amending Act No. 3045. The Automobile Division was renamed Division of Motor Vehicles. The Chief of the Division was called the Superintendent of Division of Motor Vehicles. Act No. 3992 was amended by Commonwealth Act Nos. 123, 548, 556, 652 and Republic Act No. 314, 587 and 2383.

On June 2, 1945, Department Order No. 4 was issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways reorganizing the Division. This took effect after the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese invasion.

In 1947, Executive Order No. 94 was promulgated reorganizing the different executive departments, bureaus and offices. Under Section 82 of this E.O., the Division of Motor Vehicles was upgraded into the Motor Vehicles Office (MVO) with the category of the Bureau. The Chief of the MVO enjoyed the rights and privileges of a Bureau Director.

During the fifties and early sixties, our country started undergoing rapid economic development. Industrialization advanced. As a consequence, more and better roads were constructed. The Filipinos then realized the need for more and better means of transportation. The growth in the number of vehicles increased the demand for services that the MVO must render to the public. This necessitated the issuance by the DPWH on June 5, 1961 of Administrative Regulation No. 1 transferring the function of collecting the registration and miscellaneous fees from the provincial and city treasurers to the various vehicle agencies of MVO.

On June 20, 1964, R.A. No. 4136, otherwise known as the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code" was enacted abolishing the Motor Vehicle Office and creating the Land Transportation Commission. This law likewise partially repealed Act No. 3992. The Code provided that the Land Transportation Commission shall "control as far as they apply, the registration and operation of motor vehicles and the licensing of owners, dealers, conductors, drivers and similar matters." To effectively carry out its mandate, the Land Transportation Commission established regional offices in various parts of the country.

On July 23, 1979, Executive Order No. 546 was promulgated creating the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). This marked another reorganization. The Land Transportation Commission was renamed as the Bureau of Land Transportation and was absorbed by MOTC.

On March 20, 1985, Executive Order 1011 was promulgated. This Executive Order nullified the Board of Transportation and the Bureau of Land Transportation and established the Land Transportation Commission. The defunct BOT and BLT were merged and their powers, functions and responsibilities were transferred to the Land Transportation Commission (LTC) headed by a Chairman assisted by four Commissioners. The LTC was tasked to perform functions such as registering motor vehicles, licensing of drivers and conductors, franchising of public utility vehicles and enforcing land transportation rules and regulations.

On January 30, 1987, the land Transportation Commission was abolished and two offices were created, namely: Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The LTO took over the functions of the former BLT and the LTFRB took over the functions of the BOT. The MOTC was likewise renamed as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). All these changes took effect with the promulgation of Executive Order No. 125 which was later on amended by Executive Order No. 125-A dated April 13, 1987 and 226 dated July 25, 1987.

Despite the changes in names of the Office and all the reorganization that took effect, its basic functions on land transportation system remain the same. The promotion of safety and comfort in land travel is its continuing commitment.

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