Manila, Philippines — Philippine transport authorities on Friday launched a nationwide campaign to fast-track the distribution of motorcycle license plates, aiming to resolve years-long delays that have left millions of motorcycles without proper registration plates.
The initiative, dubbed “Oplan: Stop, Plate and Go,” is spearheaded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite plate releases, officials said.
LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II said the campaign involves street-level operations where patrol vehicles loaded with unclaimed plates will be stationed in key areas across Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon—the regions with the highest number of motorcycles.
“Motorcycles flagged down at these checkpoints will be issued their license plates on the spot,” Mendoza told reporters. “If the plate is not yet available, our personnel will assist the rider in tracking its status.”
The LTO has reportedly cleared an 11-year backlog in plate production and is now shifting focus to distribution. The agency stressed that riders without plates will not face penalties under the program.
“This is not enforcement—it is service delivery,” Mendoza said. “We are appealing to riders not to avoid our teams. This is a chance for them to finally get their plates.”
Large tarpaulins and social media announcements will be used to raise awareness, the LTO said, amid concerns that some riders avoid LTO checkpoints.
In addition to roadside operations, regional and district offices are instructed to coordinate with local governments, rider groups, and tricycle operators to maximize outreach. Some areas have also set up kiosks and assistance desks in motorcycle parking lots and transport hubs.
The campaign also covers the “Palit-Plaka” program, which provides replacement plates to riders with outdated seven-character plates or those who registered their motorcycles in 2017 or earlier but have yet to receive their official plates.
The LTO said it expects the campaign to improve compliance, enhance road safety, and promote transparency in government service delivery.