PNP prohibits village guards from taking driver's license of visitors

The PNP (Philippine National Police) issued an order which prohibits security guards of subdivisions and other gated communities from seizing the driver’s license of visitors before they are allowed entry.

PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) director P/Col. Sidney Villaflor said guards deployed in private villages’ gates could not require drivers to surrender their licenses before they could enter the premises. Asking for the motorist’s driver’s license is a common practice by most of Home Owners Associations (HOA) administration.

According to the memo issued June 15, under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) Administrative Order No. 03, series of 2017, and Rule X of the 2003 IRR of Republic Act 5487, security guards and HOAs are not authorized to take custody, even temporarily, of the license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“Pursuant to reference 1a, the power to secure and/or confiscate driver’s licenses are lodged under the capacity of LTO personnel, and others who are deputized by the said Agency,” the memo stated.

The PNP order covers all private security personnel, security agencies, detective agencies, security training institutions, government guard units, company guard forces, and other associations.

Guards instead could ask for the visiting motorists’ valid government-issued ID instead of a driver’s license.

“In lieu thereof, the drivers of vehicles entering these properties may present any valid government-issued identification cards to said security guards. Likewise, said security guards are reminded to uphold their professional code of conduct and ethics and be courteous to everyone,” the PNP directive added.

Also read: LTO warns against fixers offering illegal driver’s license application

LTO opens driver’s license, student-driver’s permit online application

Land Transportation Office (LTO) opened its Land Transportation Management System portal, enabling motorists to apply for driver’s license and student driver’s permit online as part of the agency’s measure in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

Applicants may visit portal.lto.gov.ph and choose the transaction they need, upload documents required, and pay fees online.

The online service is currently available in 24 LTO pilot sites. These are at the Central Office in Quezon City, Eastwood, San Fernando, Angeles, Cabuya, Davao, Lipa, Baguio, Tagu, Naga, General Santos, Calapan, Ormoc, Roxas, Laoag, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Butuan, Bayombong, Malaybalay, Pagadian, Ever Gotesco DLRO (Driver’s License Renewal Office), and Muntinlupa.