New LTO rule says you can't get your driver's license without an NBI clearance

Fret all you want, rant all you want -- the Land Transportation Office (LTO) had just announced that they've issued a new administrative order requiring drivers applying for and renewing their professional driver's license to submit NBI and police clearances, according to a news article from GMA News Online.

LTO said this is to allow them to check if the applicant has previous records of law violations, a part of their efforts to ensure that those who will be issued licenses are qualified drivers.

In an interview, LTO spokesperson Jason Salvador said:

"Sinisigurado natin na bago sila humawak ng manibela, lalung-lalo na yung pambublikong sasakyan, ay walang mga kaso," 
"Bago ka bigyan ng lisensya tiyakin natin na ikaw ay citizen of good standing, kung sa ganoon, 'di naman masaalang-alang ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan sa lansangan,"

Professional driver's license are commonly used by those who earn their living via driving like drivers of public utility vehicles (buses, jeeps, tricycles, among others) not to mention private and family drivers.

According to Salvador, people will expect more changes in the process of issuing licenses as part of the reforms in the agency.


UPDATE:
Just a few hours after the release of LTO's new memorandum, the agency had announced that NBI clearances will no longer be required for those renewing their professional driver's license. The new rule (NBI clearance requirement) shall now only apply to all first-time applicants of professional driver's licenses. 


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