DOTr officials to commute weekly to understand public plight

DOTr officials in the Road and Rail sectors are now required to commute via public transport at least once a week, a directive ordered by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

This order aims to provide officials with firsthand understanding of the commuting public's daily struggles and develop better measures for their benefit.

Officials, including the LTO Chief, experienced challenges such as long waits for public transport, overcrowding, and extended travel times.

Acting Secretary Lopez described his own commute experience as resembling a 'war zone' due to the chaos.

They are required to submit weekly accomplishment reports detailing observations, recommendations, and plans of action, with proof of compliance.

Malacañang supports the policy, with Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stating that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would support such initiatives as long as they are reasonable and do not violate human rights.

In line with the directive to speed up services, the LTO is planning to implement a policy for the same-day release of license plates, official receipts, and certificates of registration for new vehicles, effective Oct. 15.