The Land Transportation Office (LTO) successfully addressed the long-standing backlog of tricycle license plates in Marikina City by distributing 1,223 yellow plates to local drivers. The event marked a significant milestone in the LTO’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the backlog for tricycles, which has persisted for several years.
Key Agencies and Support
The distribution event took place on Friday, February 7, 2025, and was organized in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Marikina City. LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, was present alongside Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and Marikina 1st District Representative Marjorie Ann Teodoro. The collaboration between the LTO and the LGU played a key role in the successful distribution.
According to Asec Mendoza, this distribution is a direct result of the steadfast support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., who has prioritized resolving the backlog issue that began in 2014. “We are inching closer towards addressing the backlog of license plates for motorcycles, and we attribute this to the all-out support of President Marcos in order to finally resolve this problem,” Asec Mendoza stated.
The Impact of Addressing the Backlog
The LTO’s successful clearance of the tricycle license plate backlog in Marikina is part of a broader effort to improve motor vehicle registration systems across the country. Under Asec Mendoza’s leadership, the LTO has made significant strides in resolving backlogs, particularly for four-wheel vehicles, by producing over 800,000 license plates in late 2023.
The distribution of these plates is expected to have a lasting impact on tricycle operators and driver’s associations (TODAs) in Marikina City. In particular, Asec Mendoza expressed confidence that the completion of the plate distribution would help reduce the presence of colorum tricycles in the area, similar to the successful efforts seen in Quezon City.
Boosting Earnings for Tricycle Operators
The resolution of the backlog also provides a boost to the livelihoods of tricycle drivers in Marikina. Last year, following the completion of a similar initiative in Quezon City, TODA officials reported an increase in earnings as colorum tricycles were removed from their areas. This positive impact was highlighted as a model for future license plate distributions.
“We are grateful for the leadership and efforts of Asec Mendoza and the LTO for fulfilling this commitment. This is a major step in ensuring that our tricycle drivers can work within the bounds of the law,” said Mayor Teodoro during the distribution ceremony.
Looking Ahead
The LTO’s ongoing efforts to clear the backlog and regulate the tricycle sector aim to create a more organized and compliant transport system in Marikina and beyond. By continuing to tackle colorum operations and ensure proper documentation, the LTO and the LGU are strengthening the local transport network and improving safety for both drivers and passengers.
As the distribution of yellow plates wraps up, Asec Mendoza remains optimistic that other areas in the country will benefit from the lessons learned in Marikina. The completion of the license plate backlog is seen as a critical step toward a more efficient and law-abiding transportation system across the Philippines.
Video: AksyOn the Spot Exclusive: LTO Plates for Tricycles
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro highlights awarding LTO plates to tricycle operators to enhance passenger convenience.
Official plates make it easy for commuters to recognize registered tricycles, improving safety and organization.
This measure helps protect legitimate tricycle drivers from being mistaken as unregistered or “colorum” operators. Mayor Teodoro believes this step will streamline public transportation in Marikina City.